Tassie drops bombshell threat on AFL in fight to secure 19th licence

No more Mr Nice Guy – Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has taken aim at the AFL over recent negotiations – including a threat to take the state’s offer off the table. WHAT HE SAID>>>

THE Tasmanian Government has had enough of the AFL’s disrespect, threatening to withdraw its $150m offer for a team and stating it would not pay for more than half for any new stadium.

The government has been waiting since May on its offer for $10m a season for $10 years on top of $50m for a high performance centre — believed to be the best ever offer proposed for an expansion side in Australian sporting history — but is still waiting on a response.

In a statement reminiscent of his predecessor Peter Gutwein, Premier Jeremy Rockliff has come out swinging at the AFL following the visit by AFL chief finance officer Travis Auld to Hobart on Friday who said it was a new stadium or bust in the state’s long campaign to land a team.

The Premier has passed on his frustrations to AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan directly.

“No expansion club has ever come near replicating an offer like this, and while there is value because Tasmania will derive a significant return, the Government will withdraw its offer if the AFL doesn’t respect the magnitude of this offer,” Mr Rockliff said.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff with AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan in Hobart. Picture: Brett Stubbs

He also said a decision on a new stadium would be made by Tasmania for Tasmanians — not the AFL.

“While the AFL business case outlined the need for a stadium to ensure the success of the team in the future, and we are fully committed to a stadium and the substantial social and economic benefits it brings, the Government has made it publicly clear that we will not fully fund a stadium, and in fact we will draw a line under a maximum contribution of up to 50 per cent, delivered on a site and at a cost that is acceptable to Tasmanians,” he said.

He also called on a Tasmanian team to be treated fairly by the AFL in receiving funding from the league.

“Our offer also remains contingent upon several other assumptions, in addition to the start-up cost expectations and mutually agreeable governance structure, including funding both male and female talent pathways, the establishment of a Tasmanian VFL team, and a guarantee that games will be played in both Hobart and Launceston,” Mr Rockliff said.

“The finalisation of these important details has been ongoing for sometime, however we are very close to a final decision and I have called on the AFL to make good on its commitments and to treat Tasmania with the same equity and respect it has provided other states.”

In response, an AFL spokesman said:

“The AFL continues to work through the 11 agreed work streams with the Tasmanian Government.”

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