Premier in ‘no rush’ to open up state for AFL games in front of empty stadiums

The AFL is becoming increasingly confident it can restart its season using a fly in, fly out model and while Tasmania could be part of the resumption, the Premier won’t put citizens at risk

Jaeger O’Meara bursts clear during the AFL Marsh Community Series pre-season match between Hawthorn and Melbourne at UTAS Stadium in March. Uncertainty surrounds whether more AFL will be played in Tasmania this year. Picture: AAP/MICHAEL DODGE

THE state’s prospect of hosting AFL matches in any form in 2020 has again been clouded with premier Peter Gutwein declaring he is in “no rush” to have games played in empty stadiums.

Two days after offering up Launceston and UTAS Stadium as a possible hub, Mr Gutwein revealed this morning he had been contacted by the AFL — who are moving away from that option.

Premier Peter Gutwein addresses the media during the Tasmanian Government daily COVID-19 update. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

Instead AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan is growing more confident a fly in, fly out model will be achievable once individual states relax their border securities from the COVID-19 crisis.

GUTWEIN: TIME FOR TASSIE TEAM

While confirming he will speak to public health officials to determine whether Tasmania could host games, Mr Gutwein was adamant he will not make the state available if it put the public at risk.

“To be honest, I’m not in a rush and tear to have AFL played here in Tasmania in front of empty stadiums,” Mr Gutwein said.

“I received correspondence back from the AFL and they have informed me this morning they are moving away from the hub concept and readjusting their thinking.

“They are now looking at a fly in, fly out model whereby they would fly to destinations in a chartered plane in one day in most cases, play a game and then fly out.

“They have asked me to seek advice from our public health officials and that’s exactly what I intend to do.

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan is moving away from a hub model to restart the season in favour of a fly in, fly out concept. Picture: DARRIAN TRAYNOR/GETTY IMAGES

“It is certainly quite clear that in the AFL’s view they would like to move back to some form of restricted season but they see now there is the potential for a fly in, fly out model.

“The one thing I will not do and I will be absolutely clear about this and clear for Tasmanians, I will not increase the risk on Tasmanians by allowing a model like this to occur if the advice is that the risk will increase.”