AFL officially unveils Tasmania as 19th team in ‘historic’ announcement

There was an awkward blunder as AFL boss Gillon McLachlan officially unveiled the AFL’s 19th team in an “historic” announcement.

Gillon McLachlan announces Tasmania as the AFL's 19th team.

The AFL has officially granted Tasmania a licence to become the league’s 19th team in a landmark announcement.

Outgoing AFL boss Gillon McLachlan arrived in the Apple Isle on Wednesday to confirm Tasmania had been granted the 19th licence.

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The final hurdles for the announcement were cleared when the federal government confirmed it would contribute $240 million to a new stadium at Macquarie Point in Hobart and all 18 clubs supported the bid before the AFL commission agreed to a formal ratification.

Evoking basketball legend Michael Jordan, McLachlan kept it short and sweet in a press release on Tuesday that read: “See you in Tassie tomorrow”.

“There are big days and then there are really big days,” McLachlan said at Wednesday’s official press conference.

“I’m proud and excited to announce the awarding of the 19th licence to play in the AFL and AFLW competitions to Tasmania,” he said to a smattering of applause.

“For our national game and the state of Tasmania, this feels really big. Historic. It’s a big day for football, it’s a big day for Tasmanians and I believe it’s a big day for all football supporters.

Gillon McLachlan announces Tasmania as the AFL's 19th team.

“It’s a decision that will make our national competitions truly national.

“Today is about acknowledging Tasmania belongs in our AFL and AFLW competitions, belongs in our national conversations and belongs in the national fixture.

“This morning we signed binding agreements with the Tasmanian government that committed to delivering on those conditions including partnering with the federal government for the construction of a 23,000-seat roofed stadium at Macquarie Point.”

There was an awkward moment in the press conference when Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff mispronounced both the name of McLachlan and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as he made his remarks.

“This has been hardfought for,” Premier Rockliff said.

“Can I think the AFL, Gillion, the 18 presidents who have finally realised the full potential of an Australian Football League and AFLW.

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff butchered AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan’s name. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Junior footballers are seen during the AFL Tasmanian Team Announcement at North Hobart Oval. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

“If ever there was a sign of state and federal governments working together, this is it.

“It was a very proud moment for me to be with prime minister Albanese just a few days securing the deal for Tasmania.”

The announcement was well received by AFL fans but Premier Rockliff’s slip of the tongue didn’t go unnoticed.

Changing careers not enough for Gillon McLachlan, who has taken things one step further and changed his name. #Gillionpic.twitter.com/RYIBT1xl4L

— David Zita (@DavidZita1) May 3, 2023

Did Rockliff just call him Gillion? Oh boy

— Harrison Reid (@HarrisonReid12) May 3, 2023

Gillon, Gillion, Gillian, Gilligan, same same

— Rory Flanagan (@Rory_Flanagan) May 3, 2023

I’m just glad Jeremy Rockliff thanked Gillian. #AFL

— Russell Bennett (@rgbennett) May 3, 2023

There are still some questions marks over a Tasmanian team’s entry into the AFL.

McLachlan said he expected a men’s Tasmanian team to join the league in 2028 after three seasons in the second-tier VFL from 2025.

The team’s nickname is also yet to be decided, with doubt over whether the consensus pick of the “Tasmanian Devils” can be used.

It’s been revealed the name is already trademarked by Warner Bros, the Hollywood studio behind The Looney Tunes cartoons.

Richmond great Matthew Richardson, who grew up in Tasmania, says any fight over naming the 19th team the “Devils” could be avoided by going with the “Islanders” as their name.