Our Say: Back in the big league

EDITORIAL: One of Australia’s true AFL heartlands and a dedicated sports mad state, Tasmania has too long been lost in the national sporting wilderness. But that’s about to change.

TASMANIA has been lost in the national sporting wilderness for far too long, and to be honest, no one has seriously been searching for us either.

The Hurricanes in the short summer BBL and WBBL seasons have been our only high-profile competitions.

But when it comes to looking after the island fans, cricket is not exempt from criticism either.

Tests at Blundstone Arena are now a thing of the past and the only international cricket fixture falls on the first Friday night of the AFL footy season — thanks Cricket Australia.

The AFL sees Tasmania as an irritant, buzzing around Melbourne headquarters but getting little attention.

While political pressure has been piled onto the football body in recent weeks with the release of compelling business case for our state to get its own team, there have been more questions and no commitment from the AFL.

But our exile from the national stage is about to change. The state should — or will — be back on the big stage from 2021-22 with an NBL side with an announcement expected Friday afternoon.

There is one obstacle left, with Glenorchy City Council having to approve the sale of the dilapidated Derwent Entertainment Centre and surrounding Wilkinsons Point at Friday’s special council meeting before everything else falls in line, but this is considered a mere fait accompli.

It has been 24 years since we were in the NBL but now we are re-entering with basketball on a fast break and the crowd cheering for more.

Under owner Larry Kestelman’s stewardship, the competition is flying. Attendances are up and so are the ratings. With the success comes better standards, imports and international recognition.

This new pace and plans for a new Tasmanian team also gives local kids something to aspire to.

There is no coincidence that Tasmania joining the national domestic cricket competitions saw the rise of the likes of Australian captains Ricky Ponting, George Bailey and Tim Paine.

And there is no coincidence that our football talent has dropped considerably while the AFL continues to ignore one of its true heartland states.

The new Tasmanian NBL team brings with it significant economic benefits via Mr Kestelman’s planned $200 million development at Wilkinsons Point which should also create 1199 full-time equivalent jobs.

Yes, the redevelopment of the DEC and the adjacent multi-sport facility next door will cost the taxpayer $60 million.

But the fact both venues are staying in public hands and are expected to return a $200 million investment in the northern suburbs while inspiring locals, can only be win for Tasmania.

All going to plan, the move for a Tasmanian NBL team will be signed and sealed by happy hour Friday.

Undoubtedly the AFL will be watching to see the sort of crowds and impact a national team like this will have in Tasmania.

Now all that’s left to do is come up with a name!