High-powered high-flyers to lead Tasmania’s push to the AFL promised land

A high-flying businessman is set to be announced as the chairman of a high-powered board whose job will be to create a business case for the state’s inclusion in the AFL.

Former Virgin Airlines chief executive Brett Godfrey will head the team charged with building a business case for Tasmania’s entry into the AFL. Picture: AAP

TASMANIA’S AFL push will be led by the co-founder of Virgin Airlines.

Brett Godfrey, co-founder and inaugural chief executive of Virgin, will be announced as chairman of the Tasmanian Government’s AFL project team, most likely on Friday.

It will be a high-powered board whose job will be to create an indisputable business case for the state’s inclusion in the AFL, hopefully in the next five to seven years.

It is understood Launceston businessman Errol Stewart, sports management executive James Henderson and Tasracing chief executive Paul Eriksson will also be part of the board.

STATE BUDGET: FUNDS TARGET STATE’S AFL TEAM DREAM

Mr Eriksson is a former Greater Western Sydney Giants chief financial officer and interim Cronulla Sharks chief executive officer.

Mr Henderson’s company, Dynamic Sports and Entertainment Group, manages Australian and Tasmanian cricket great Ricky Ponting, AFL coaches Alastair Clarkson and Chris Fagan and cricketer David Warner among others.

Developer Errol Stewart. Picture: CHRISTOPHER TESTA

James Henderson. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

Lauderdale president and Tasmanian Football Board member Julie Kay is another believed to be a part of the team, while it is also understood former Woolworths CEO Grant O’Brien was sounded out.

But there is no doubt Mr Godfrey is the big fish.

Along with British billionaire Richard Branson, Mr Godfrey started Virgin Airlines with a little over $10 million and two jets.

During his 10-year stint, the company grew to 86 aircraft with 6500 staff.

In recent times, his attention has turned to Tasmania and tourism.

In 2011, he purchased Quamby Estate in northern Tasmania and then the Tasmanian Walking Company, which runs a number of high-end, award-winning walks at Cradle Mountain, Bay of Fires, Wineglass Bay and Bruny Island and is the only guided walking company at the Three Capes Track with visitors staying at the company’s architecturally designed eco-lodges.

Mr Godfrey, 55, is also chairman of Tourism and Events Queensland, Auckland Airport and Canadian airline WestJet.

The AFL project team was allocated $150,000 in this year’s State Budget, which was announced last month.