State Budget 2019: Funds target state’s AFL team dream

The State Government will spend $150,000 next year towards a business case for a Tasmanian AFL team.

Oscar Wiggins, 8, is just one of tens of thousands of Tassie kids who could benefit from investment in sport. Picture: EDDIE SAFARIK

THE State Government will spend $150,000 next year towards a business case for a Tasmanian AFL team.

Premier Will Hodgman said the Government had begun the selection process for a project team to put together a “fresh and indisputable case” to the AFL.

“We continue to respect our valued deals with Hawthorn and North Melbourne, but with them expiring in 2021 now is the time to be putting forward a strong case and a transition plan for Tasmania to enter the AFL,” Mr Hodgman said.

“The State Budget also provides administrative support for the Football Tasmania Board, which was established earlier this year by the Tasmanian Government with representatives from across the Tasmanian football community to unify the sport, and strengthen local, grassroots football.

“The AFL is not truly a national competition without a Tasmanian team in it, and it’s now a matter of when, not if. This budget moves us closer to that time.”

The investment in the business case comes after the Liberal Party ran a successful federal election scare campaign in the state’s North over the Labor Party’s $25 million pledge for a Tasmanian AFL team.

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The budget also includes $1.4 million over four years for regional sports co-ordinators in schools, to increase participation in AFL and other sports.

The co-ordinators could also act as the primary contact for sports leagues and clubs wanting to organise access to schools.

AFL Tasmania chief executive officer and Tasmanian Football Board member Trisha Squires said she was strongly supportive of the regional sports co-ordinator program.

“It will assist all sports in Tasmania, including football, to encourage children in schools to participate in all sports,” Ms Squires said.

“That is something the board had been talking to the State Government about.

“There will be three positions, one in each region, and their job will be to encourage sport participation within their region. We were very pleased to hear that announced.”

Lindisfarne mother Kate Wiggins said any government funding into a state AFL licence would give children like her son Oscar, 8, a greater chance at chasing their football fairytale.

“For a young child to have the dream of representing their state come true would be a very special thing to see,” Mrs Wiggins said.

“We’re very hopeful that there could be a Tasmanian team on the horizon.

“It would not only help kids like Oscar reach their goals but it would certainly excite thousands of Tasmanian footy fans.”