Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockcliff does not mince words about AFL access to Tasmania

With AFL games scheduled across consecutive weekends in Tasmania next month, the state government has revealed how players can expect to be treated during the state’s coronavirus lockdown.

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IF the AFL thinks it will receive special treatment for letting its teams and entourages in and out of Tasmania during the state’s coronavirus lockdown, it can think again.

That was the message from Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff yesterday when he emphasized that AFL players would be treated like anyone else hoping to access the state.

Jeremy Rockliff. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

He said Premier Peter Gutwein would reveal all, probably on Friday.

“There will be no special exemptions for any AFL players,” Mr Rockliff said.

“This is a level playing field and we wait until the Premier’s announcement at the end of the week.

“It may well be an opportunity [for AFL games in Tasmania] but there will be no special exemptions for the AFL or anyone else.”

The AFL scheduled North Melbourne to play games across consecutive weekends in Hobart next month in the latest release of its roster on Tuesday.

Tasmanian Ben Brown playing for the Kangaroos against the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium earlier this month. Picture: MICHAEL KLEIN

The Kangaroos would play their first game in the state this year against Melbourne under lights at Blundstone Arena on August 9, followed by an afternoon clash with premiership contender Brisbane Lions on August 15.

Hawthorn also wants to play games in Tasmania, ideally all four of its annual allotment for UTAS Stadium, if not more.

It all hinges on Tasmania’s social restrictions being eased enough to allow teams access to the state.