Peter Gutwein responds to Eddie McGuire’s ultimatum over Tassie’s own AFL team

Premier Peter Gutwein has welcomed comments from former Collingwood boss Eddie McGuire on Tasmania’s bid for an AFL team — saying it’s clear the time is right as he gives an update on progress. LATEST >>

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PREMIER Peter Gutwein has welcomed comments from former Collingwood boss Eddie McGuire on Tasmania’s bid for an AFL team — saying it is clear the time is right.

McMcGuire has proposed a 20-team competition, with Tasmania and north Queensland or the Northern Territory being added to the current roster to make a truly national competition.

But he said the state government would need to kick in $20 million a year and a covered stadium.

Mr Gutwein welcomed Mr McGuire to the cause.

“The point I would make is that Eddie McGuire is the ex-chairman of Collingwood and I am the state treasurer,” he said.

“In terms of funding, I’ll be the one that looks at those matters. But look, welcome to the party Eddie.

“We’ve been talking about a Tasmanian team for three decades. It’s about time you got on board.

“Eddie McGuire throws a lot of things out there publicly, some of that people agree with some that people don’t. But in terms of Tasmania having its own team absolutely. I agree with Eddie: now is the time.

“We will determine the types of stadiums that we have in Tasmania, and I thank him for his suggestions. But the key point that Eddie McGuire made, which I’m very pleased with is that the time is right now for Tasmania to have a team. So I say welcome on board Eddie. It’s about time.”

AFL Commissioner Colin Carter. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The AFL has asked AFL Commissioner Colin Carter to review the business case for Tasmania’s bid by mid-year.

“I’m expecting to hear from Colin in the coming weeks, obviously, during an election campaign that has changed the timing,” Mr Gutwein said.

“But in terms of Colin Carter, from what I understand about him, while I read about him, what I’ve been briefed about him is that he is a very fair, a very reasonable, but importantly, somebody that has always looked over the horizon in terms of the AFL business model.”

“The business case that we put forward indicates that Tasmania based on its current investment, that we make into the two teams that we have here, could support an AFL team in Tasmania with less support from the AFL than it provides more than half a dozen teams currently that play for them.

“So the business case stacks up. The key thing that we need out of the AFL is a decision on the time frame. And I welcome Eddie McGuire belatedly coming on board.”

Riewoldt gives premier’s tough AFL stand all clear

TASMANIAN AFL taskforce member Nick Riewoldt has backed premier Peter Gutwein’s hardline stance with the league as the state awaits the outcome of its AFL business case.

Gutwein has refused to continue negotiations with Hawthorn and North Melbourne on their deals to play matches in Tasmania beyond 2021 until the review of the business case — to be conducted by Colin Carter — is complete.

He is hoping to have an answer on if and when Tasmania could potentially enter the league by the end of this year.

Former St Kilda champion Riewoldt, who was in town for the launch of the state’s first Body Fit Training studio in the Hobart mall this weekend, was full of praise for both Gutwein and Carter and is confident Tasmania’s push is in good hands.

“I would just applaud Peter Gutwein for being so strong about football in Tasmania for Tasmanians,” Riewoldt said.

“I think it’s needed a strong stance and that’s what he’s taken. I still think North Melbourne and [Hawthorn] have a part to play. I don’t think they’re mutually exclusive, all of these arrangements and relationships.

“We know a strong competition is good for every club, and if can Tasmania can contribute to a stronger competition, well, then everyone benefits.

“I’m really encouraged that Colin Carter has been tasked with that job. I know Colin, I’ve spoken to Colin, he’s a wonderful football person who is very balanced and thorough in his opinions.”

Former AFL player Nick Riewoldt with former cricketer George Bailey at the launch of the Body Fit Training studio in Hobart. Picture: Alastair Bett

While passionate about seeing his home state finally land a team in the AFL, Riewoldt doesn’t believe it has to come at the expense of a current club, despite the financial impact of COVID-19.

“I think all Tasmanians would love a stand-alone team first and foremost, but having football in this state is absolutely critical, so whatever shape that takes.

“Again I don’t think it’s necessarily a divide and conquer in terms of pitting other AFL clubs against a Tasmanian licence.

“I think there can be a really helpful and mutually beneficial relationship that occurs.”

Riewoldt has joined forces with former national white ball captain and current selector George Bailey and Test captain Tim Paine to secure the rights to fitness franchise BFT.

Bailey said anticipation is building ahead of the opening on Saturday, with more studios in the works across the state.

“We’re pumped. It’s been a bit of a long time coming but excitement has been brewing,” he said.

“We’re going to build this fantastic community of like-minded people who are going to get really fit, have a lot of fun doing it, programming has been fantastic and can’t wait for it to kick off.”

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Originally published as Peter Gutwein responds to Eddie McGuire’s ultimatum over Tassie’s own AFL team