Hawks chief Jeff Kennett dumps on Tassie’s AFL ambitions

HAWTHORN president Jeff Kennett has slammed Tasmania’s hopes for a team in the AFL, questioning the state’s ability to fund a team.

Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett celebrates with Isaac Smith after the win over the Gold Coast at UTAS Stadium last month. Picure: Michael Dodge/Getty

HAWTHORN president Jeff Kennett has slammed Tasmania’s ambition for a team in the AFL saying it would “negatively affect” tourism and hospitality, and questioned the state’s ability to fund a team.

No one was safe from the Kennett spray in the open letter on the Hawks’ website.

He took aim at Federal Labor Leader Bill Shorten for his pledge of $25 million towards a Tasmanian team if elected, calling it “crass intervention”.

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“Crass, because it is the first time I can remember a federal political party attempting to win votes by getting directly involved in the administration of sport at a club level,” Kennett said.

“In doing so, Bill has set a precedent for every other code of sport, for every other club.

“Such foolishness will come back and bite him on the backside if he does win the next federal election.”

Mr Kennett said Tasmanians should settle for what they have – Hawthorn playing four games in Launceston and North Melbourne playing three games in Hobart.

Hawthorn plays four games a year in Launceston. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

The Hawks boss appears to be getting in early before the State Government reviews its contracts with Hawthorn and the Kangaroos, which expire in 2021.

“The best Tasmanians can do is embrace the model released by the AFL, and use it as an opportunity to build the case for their own AFL team someday,” Kennett said.

“One thing I am sure of, given our considerable efforts over many years, and my continued promotion of Tasmania, is if Hawthorn is not wanted in Tasmania, just tell us and we will go back to the mainland.”

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Kennett used an economic report released this year that said the Hawks generated $30 million for the Tasmanian economy in 2017.

“If Tasmania has its own team, much of that economic value will disappear,” he said.

“Tasmanians will of course attend their home games, but as we see the AFL will rarely allow the bigger teams to play in Tasmania because it will substantially reduce their attendances at games overall. That fact and television ratings is what drives the value of media rights.

“So I fear a Tasmanian team, regardless of how it performs, will negatively affect the hospitality and tourism industry in Tasmania.”

Former premier David Bartlett.

Former premier Lara Giddings.

Kennett also took aim at past state governments.

“No political party in government has had the courage to be specific about what it wants. They should do so,” he said.

“I laugh at the Labor party that is now advocating a Tasmanian team, when in government under David Bartlett or Lara Giddings they had the opportunity to do something and they did nothing.”

Premier Will Hodgman said the decision process on the Hawks and Kangaroos deals was yet to begin.

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Premier Will Hodgman.

“We value our relationships with Hawthorn and North Melbourne,” he said.

“There are four seasons remaining on our existing deals, which deliver strong social and economic benefits to the state.

“Of course many Tasmanians want a team of our own in the national competition, and I am sure Jeff Kennett, as a former state premier, would respect that.

“We are committed to working with the Tasmanian football community to strengthen local leagues, increase participation and develop a realistic pathway to a Tasmanian AFL team. “What we need is for the AFL to outline that pathway and to make a case they can’t knock back.”

On Mr Shorten’s pledge, they both agreed.

“Bill Shorten’s latest thought bubble was a kick straight out of bounds on the full,” Mr Hodgman said.