AFL delays decision on Tasmanian team to get presidents together

The AFL will defer Tasmania’s push for a 19th licence until it can get all 18 club presidents in the same room to formally present them with the state’s detailed proposal. It comes as two Tassie legends throw their weight behind the team.

THE AFL will defer Tasmania’s push for a 19th licence until it can get all 18 club presidents in the same room to formally present them with the state’s detailed proposal.

Despite AFL CEO Gill McLachlan saying last week the presidents would have Tasmania’s document by Tuesday, it will not be seen by them until it can be presented in person.

An AFL spokesperson said Mr McLachlan’s intention was to present Tasmania’s submission to the presidents in a group setting, rather than sending it out by email.

The hope is that the presidents will be better-informed on all aspects of Tasmania’s position, both financially and aspirational, before they take it back to their respective clubs for examination by their boards.

“The presidents are all high-powered business people with busy schedules so it is not easy to get them all in the same room,” the spokesperson said.

It is hoped they can be gathered by September 12 to give them a week to discuss it at club level and return for a vote in Melbourne on Brownlow Medal day on September 19.

The announcement would likely follow the next day.

AFL CEO Gill McLachlan during the North Melbourne AFL breakfast ahead of the West Coast Eagles and Collingwood AFL Grand Final, Melbourne, Saturday, September 29. 2018. (AAP Image/David Crosling) NO ARCHIVING

Meanwhile, the Believe Tasmanian campaign now has 91,333 registered “believers” as a state government team works on details of a $750m multi-purpose roofed stadium for Hobart.

The government’s $1.25m feasibility study for a bespoke stadium be the home of the AFL team, having whittled down the contenders from six possible sites to two.

Venue sites on the Queens Domain at the Crossroads (39.5), Upper Domain Rd (25), the TCA ground (40.25) and Lower Domain Rd (48.75) all rated low on State Growth’s points-based stadium site criteria taking into account environmental, cultural, location, buildability and governance.

The two stand-outs were Regatta Point (71.25) and Macquarie Point (74.5) making them the prime options for the stadium.

Artists impression of the new AFL Hobart stadium at Regatta Point in relation to a Tasmania's bid for an AFL team. Picture: Philip Lighton Architects

The report states that: “Regatta Point is our recommended site. Site users of the area are limited to the Regatta Association and a public boat ramp.

“The conversations with the Regatta Association should be along the lines of incorporating their needs into the design of the stadium.

“A relocation of a boat ramp to a suitable site around the Derwent would be a reasonably cost-effective solution.”

Tasmanian legends back team

TASMANIAN football legend Peter “Percy” Jones would be “there in a flash” to watch his ­beloved Carlton play Tasmania in Hobart if his home state gets a licence to join the AFL.

And former Tigers legend Matthew Richardson has told the AFL to strike while the iron is hot, because next time might be too late.

“Tassie’s got a lot to offer and if they don’t do it now it might be too late next time,” “Richo” said.

“A lot of kids have gone away from footy recently down there.

“If you bring it back and they can touch and feel it, kids will get really interested again and it is just time for Tassie to have a team.”

It is understood the state ­government and Tasmanian AFL Taskforce’s detailed plan will go to the 18 club presidents within the next week.

They will examine the document, present it to their respective boards and return to the AFL with a decision to support or ­oppose the proposal to give Tasmania a 19th licence.

Carlton great Percy Jones. Picture: Stuart McEvoy for the Australian.

When they gather in Melbourne for the Brownlow Medal count is shaping as D-Day.

Jones, 75, is a four-time Carlton premiership player and Tasmanian Hall of Fame member.

It has been a long time coming for the former paperboy from North Hobart, who started his career in the TFL with the ­Demons, and is excited that this time a Tasmanian team may ­finally get across the line.

“It would be great for Tasmania and great for the AFL,” Jones said.

“I’ve been a loyal supporter of Tasmanian football and the TFL where I played in the ‘old days’.

“I’ve have always been hoping they would give us a team.

“When I was inducted into the hall of fame I was interviewed by Tim Lane and he asked me about the opportunity of having a Tassie team in the league.

“I said that any argument about money not adding up wasn’t right and it looks like all of the finances add up, so there shouldn’t be anyone against us based on the money.”

The loudest objector, the Gold Coast Suns, benefits from generous funding from league headquarters, banking an estimated $198m since it joined the league in 2012, while the GWS Giants have received $203m over the same period.

“All the money the AFL have poured into the Gold Coast and into NSW is mind-boggling, so they should be the last ones who should be objecting to a Tassie team,” Jones said.

In Jones’ circles, he hears nothing but support.

Matthew Richardson. Picture: David Caird

“Everyone thinks it’s great,” he said. “I’d be there in a flash to watch the Blues play Tassie in Hobart.”

For ‘Richo’, he said it’s “definitely time for a Tasmanian team”.

“If they are going to make it hinge on the stadium, it doesn’t fill me with great confidence,” he said.

“But overall, Tasmania deserves a team and I think they should have a team.

“I’m feeling reasonably buoyant that the presidents are going to get it through this time.”