“Not much happening”: Hawks skipper questions Tassie team’s appeal for young players

Hawthorn skipper James Sicily has questioned whether a prospective Tasmania AFL licence would be appealing for young players to relocate. HAVE YOUR SAY

Hawthorn skipper James Sicily wrestles with Adelaide’s Taylor Walker during Sunday’s clash in Launceston (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Hawthorn captain James Sicily believes a Tasmanian AFL licence would find it difficult to convince young players to relocate to the state because “there’s not much happening”.

Speaking on Melbourne radio show RSN Breakfast on Wednesday, Sicily was asked if there would any barriers for players being willing to play out of Tasmania.

“I think so, particularly as a young guy,” he said.

“Because there’s not much happening there it would be quite difficult, I couldn’t imagine myself living there as a young fella.”

In January, Hawthorn extended its partnership with the Tasmanian government to play four matches per season at Launceston’s UTAS Stadium.

The most recent was on Sunday against Adelaide, where they were beaten by two points.

The Hawks’ association with the ground began in 2001, but the club has always expressed its desire for Tasmania to be awarded its own licence.

That looks set to become a reality with reports Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to announce the federal government will provide the final $240 million to fund a new stadium in Hobart, the final hurdle to clear the way for a franchise.

“It’s a difficult one, I’ve only spent time in ‘Launnie’. Hobart is a bit different, I think there’s a bit more happening in Hobart,” Sicily continued.

“I haven’t had too much experience in Hobart, but it would be hard.”

Sicily said he has no doubt a Tasmanian team would be heavily supported and be a success in the Apple Isle.

The 28-year-old has played 21 times in Launceston for an impressive record of 14 wins, a draw and six defeats.

“Yeah absolutely (Tasmanian fans would love their own team),” he said.

“Even when we play pre season games and there’s another Melbourne-based team, there’s so many fans who aren’t Hawthorn fans there who just love football.

“I think it would be great.”

When Hawthorn announced its partnership extension with Tasmania, president Andy Gowers said they fully backed the state’s push for its own team, but the Hawks still intend to maintain an imprint in the state’s north.

“I would expect so, absolutely (we would continue to play games in Tasmania after 2025),” Gowers said.

“We support Tasmania’s push for its own team, and what that means for Hawthorn will play itself out.

“We very much welcome Tassie having its own side and Hawthorn continuing to have a presence in Tasmania, particularly northern Tasmania.”