Tasmania's AFL team bid receives huge boost with independent MLC Bec Thomas backing new stadium

The Tasmania Devils are one step closer to becoming the AFL’s official 19th team after a key independent threw her support behind the Macquarie Point Stadium project.

The Tasmania Football Club have taken a massive step towards becoming the AFL’s official 19th team after an independent politician confirmed she would support the stadium vote.

Members of the Tasmanian Government’s upper house, the Legislative Council, will debate and vote on the Macquarie Point Stadium project across Wednesday and Thursday.

Bec Thomas, a key independent, confirmed she would vote yes on ABC Radio on Wednesday morning in a major boost to the club’s hopes.

Macquarie Point will become the Devils’ home ground from 2029 with the club expected to play at existing venues including Ninja Stadium in Hobart and UTAS Stadium in Launceston during their first season, 2028.

Macquarie Point Stadium is a step closer to being ticked off. Picture: MPDC

Bec Thomas will vote yes to the stadium. Picture: Linda Higginson

Throughout the process, the AFL has maintained its no news stadium, no team stance towards the Devils becoming the 19th team.

“This has been one of the hardest decisions that I have had to make,” Thomas told ABC Radio.

“I want Tasmania to have the opportunities that other states have. We deserve to have the infrastructure that other states have. We deserve to have our own AFL team, and that’s long overdue.”

There is no timeframe on when the vote will be completed across the next two days with all 15 members of the upper house being given an opportunity to put forward their opinion.

To pass through parliament, eight of the 15 members must vote in favour of the project.

Originally published as Tasmania's AFL team bid receives huge boost with independent MLC Bec Thomas backing new stadium