Chris Fagan says the AFL should go ahead with Tasmania’s 2028 AFL entry regardless of any potential new stadium

As a no-confidence motion against Tasmanian premier Jeremy Rockliff threatens to derail the new stadium and potentially sink the AFL’s 19th club, Lions coach Chris Fagan has another idea.

Brisbane premiership coach Chris Fagan says the AFL should go ahead with Tasmania’s 2028 AFL entry regardless of any potential new stadium delays.

The Tasmanian football hall of fame legend told this masthead “it would be a tragedy” if the club’s path to the AFL was blocked over stadium concerns or political unrest in the state.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff has helped drive plans to construct a new $945 million Macquarie Point stadium, but a no-confidence motion could trigger another election, derail the stadium build and potentially sink the AFL’s newest club.

Richmond great and Tasmanian icon Matthew Richardson said it would be a “massive disaster” if the Devils fell over despite the massive groundswell of support for the club across the country.

Opposition Leader Dean Winter wrote to AFL CEO Andrew Dillon on Wednesday, confirming Labor’s support in building the stadium and keeping the team’s hopes alive.

Fagan said the Devils should be allowed to join the AFL despite the cloud over Mac Point.

“They should let the team come in and then sort the stadium out, and that is how I have always viewed it,” Fagan told the Herald Sun.

“Just use facilities that are available (in Launceston and Hobart) with a longer-term plan to build a new stadium.

“They can use the facilities that are already there and then over time, they have been upgraded.

“It would be such a tragedy if the team itself doesn’t go ahead because there wasn’t a new stadium when there are other football fields down there that AFL footballers currently play on.

“The surfaces are fantastic.

“But I think it is only a noisy minority who don’t want it (new stadium) anyway. The vast majority of Tasmanians I think do want it.

“Once you have the team in there, then these things become easier.”

But the AFL has refused to buckle, saying Tasmania will only be permitted entry if the Government builds a 23,000-seat fully-roofed new stadium.

Richmond great Richardson, who booted 800 goals for the Tigers, said it would be “embarrassing” if the Devils fell over.

Tasmania’s opposition oeader Dean Winter confirmed Labor’s support in building a stadium in a latter to Andrew Dillon. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Matthew Richardson says those who vote against a Tasmanian stadium won’t be remembered favourably.

He urged “cool heads” to prevail on the matter.

“It’s on our doorstep, it is that close, and I just think of how many young boys and girls a Tassie team would inspire to go and play footy and have big dreams,” Richardson told this masthead.

“You want the kids to think big and it would be amazing for the community and just the pride they would have in their own Tassie team to go and watch them play.

“I think it would rejuvenate the whole state. There are so many positive flow-ons.

“And considering how far down the line we are now, with more than 200,000 fans signed up, it would be a huge letdown and actually a bit embarrassing if it doesn’t go ahead from here.

“If this opportunity is missed, it would be a massive disaster.

“History won’t look back on it favourably and the people involved in vetoing it. It would be a big thing to have (hanging) on your head.”

The AFL remained locked in crucial talks with Tasmanian politicians on Wednesday.

Opposition leader Dean Winter, who forced the no confidence motion, said his Labor party also supported the new stadium build.

Jeremy Rockliff is facing pressure to keep his job as Premier.

But an early election could result in delays and further cost blowouts, putting a cloud over the Devils.

Devils CEO Brendon Gale said on AFL 360 on Wednesday night, the club was acting as if it was “business as usual”.

“We’re getting on with the business with building an organisation and building teams,” he said.

“Clearly our existence is conditional upon the delivery of a stadium based on an agreement between the AFL and state government.

“That process will run its course and that hasn’t changed. There’s some uncertainty around leadership and the composition of parliament, but that really hasn’t changed.

“We’ve got to get on with the job and control things we can control.”

An AFL spokesman said the 19th licence was conditional on a new stadium.

“The Tasmania Devils continue to make great progress led by Chairman Grant O’Brien, CEO Brendon Gale, the board, and inaugural team members Kath McCann and Jack Riewoldt,” the spokesman said.

“More than 210,000 members have signed up and pledged their support, signifying great momentum and backing for the club.

“The AFL’s continued position is that a clear requirement of the 19th licence is that the team is conditional on a new 23,000 seat roofed stadium at Macquarie Point.”