Mick Malthouse says it’s time for an AFL team in Tasmania as Queensland clubs struggle

THE state of football in Queensland versus Tasmania is an issue that can’t be ignored by the AFL and MICK MALTHOUSE says there’s a strong case for a team in Tasmania.

North Melbourne and Hawthorn have enjoyed success in Tasmania. Picture: Getty Images

The state of football in Queensland versus Tasmania is another issue that can’t be ignored by the AFL.

Polar ends on the map, and polar ends in supporter strength.

Gold Coast (17th) and Brisbane (18th) must be ringing alarm bells for the league heads.

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North Melbourne and Hawthorn have enjoyed success in Tasmania. Picture: Getty Images

It must be costing them a fortune to keep both Queensland teams afloat.

The Suns with their high expectations have completely come undone.

The draft concessions have run out. The recruitment of Gary Ablett could now probably be deemed a failure. And the supporter base is dwindling, at best.

Now they need a new coach, one who will need to defy history to have success as a sporting club on the Gold Coast.

Brisbane showed late promise, but the jury is out on how long it can keep its rising stars with the bigger clubs circling.

It’s been a tough year for both Queensland-based teams Brisbane and the Gold Coast Picture: AAP

In Tasmania, Hawthorn and North Melbourne have had solid support in Launceston and Hobart, where people love the game and will turn up anywhere to watch it.

It makes for a strong case for an AFL team located in either city.

But the state of Tassie football itself is precarious with no players drafted from the state in 2016. Remember this is where footy superstars such as Peter Hudson, Darrel Baldock, Ian Stewart, Royce Hart, Matthew Richardson and Jack Riewoldt came from.

The AFL needs to put more into nurturing the talent in Tasmania.

There is plenty of AFL support in Launceston. Picture: Chris Kidd