NT AFL Taskforce with renewed confidence after Tasmania Stadium success

The confirmation of the Macquarie Point Stadium in Tasmania has given the NT AFL Team Taskforce renewed confidence to push on towards the 20th licence. Read what’s happening.

Hobart's proposed AFL stadium at Macquarie Point. Picture: Macquarie Point Development Corporation

Tasmania’s stadium confirmation has given the NT AFL Team Taskforce confidence to push forward with work toward a potential 20th licence that “would complete the national game”.

The Tasmanian Devils received a major boost this week when the Macquarie Point Stadium was given the green light by parliament.

It was a huge step forward for the AFL’s 19th team which will join the competition in 2028, and now questions turn to who will be number 20.

The NT taskforce, headed by AFLNT chairman Sean Bowden, was set up in 2021 and has since delivered a business case while identifying 10 sites for a Darwin City Stadium.

Their work has been contingent on Tasmania taking out the 19th licence, with an NT side following, meaning every state or territory, besides ACT, will have a team.

The NT Taskforce congratulated the Tasmania Devils on their stadium win this week, a move which will push both entities a step closer to their respective goals.

“This gives the Taskforce the confidence to move ahead with plans for the Northern Territory to enter the AFL should the opportunity arise to bid for a 20th licence,” Bowden said.

“A 20th AFL licence in the Northern Territory would complete our national game.

Taskforce chair Sean Bowden. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“A Territory AFL team will be unique within the AFL and create new pathways, opportunity and inspiration, as well as bringing to the national game and supporters Australia-wide the excitement of a Territory team.

“The NT has the highest participation rates in the country and Territory footballers have long lit up AFL football arenas.

“There is a social dividend that will match the economic dividend that an AFL Team will bring, with young Territorians, boys and girls, being able to aim for an AFL career, based in the Territory.

“The development of talent pathways, and inspiring the next generation, will be important points of focus in planning for a NT AFL Team.”

For many, the Northern Territory, and specifically Darwin, is seen as the sentimental favourite for the sake of completing the national footprint.

However, it is not the lone horse in the race with North Queensland or third teams in Western Australia and South Australia other viable options.

The NT Taskforce includes former AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou, Larrakia Development chair Mark Motlop and Central Land Council general manager Josie Douglas.

Also involved are former players Andrew McLeod and Nathan Buckley, former Melbourne and Essendon chief executive Peter Jackson and former managing director of Seven Melbourne, Lewis Martin.

Adding to the business acumen are Airport Development Group CEO Tony Edmonstone, former chief executive of the NT Chief Minister’s Office Ken Davies and Kelly Ralston of the Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations.

Originally published as NT AFL Taskforce with renewed confidence after Tasmania Stadium success