Premier Peter Gutwein hits out at ‘disrespectful’ AFL, who continue to ignore Tassie

Hawthorn and North Melbourne’s lucrative Tasmanian contracts could be cut unless the AFL come to the party on a state team, the Premier warns.

• Former AFL Tasmania boss slams AFL excuses over stand-alone team
• Time for the Tasmanian Government to play hard ball as long game proves loser

Premier Peter Gutwein has labelled the AFL “disrespectful” and vowed not to finalise new contracts with Hawthorn or North Melbourne until there is a pathway for a Tasmanian team.

The Hawks and Roos contracts – worth more than $8 million a year combined – expire at the end of next season.

Mr Gutwein said he wrote to AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan seeking clarity on the league’s view on a Tasmanian team following the release of the state’s AFL team Taskforce business case.

“I wrote to Gill on the basis of the fact that we are currently negotiating with Hawthorn and obviously we need to have discussions with North Melbourne (about) next year,” Mr Gutwein said.

Premier Peter Gutwein. Picture: Zak Simmonds

“Until we know what the AFL’s view is on granting Tasmania its own licence we won’t be able to conclude those negotiations. I’ve made it perfectly clear in terms of the Taskforce’s proposal which outlines we could have a sustainable model and our own licence here in Tasmania from around 2025 onwards that that remains our goal.”

He said he was yet to get a response from Mr McLachlan or anyone from the AFL

“As of this morning we had heard nothing,” he said.

“My office reached out to them and I understand they are considering my letter but to be frank I think it is disrespectful of the AFL in terms of the way they have managed this.

“We are a football state. We have paid our dues. It is up to the AFL now to explain their view in terms of the Taskforce report and where Tasmania stands in respect with a licence.”

Last month, the Mercury revealed the Taskforce recommended the state government looked at discontinuing deals with the Hawks and the Roos and invest in other sports if the AFL did not provide a pathway to a Tasmanian team.

The AFL has been contacted for comment.

Follow @Stubboir