Tasmania is still pushing hard for the 19th AFL licence despite coronavirus uncertainties

Serious doubts surrounded the future of Tasmania’s AFL push when the full coronavirus crisis hit the league, but the state’s AFL Taskforce says the state is still right in the hunt.

THE coronavirus crisis has not derailed Tasmania’s ambition nor the business case to join the AFL by 2025.

AFL Taskforce chairman Brett Godfrey said the state was still very much in the game to earn the league’s 19th licence, even with great uncertainty around the competition.

The Taskforce’s business case, produced and released prior to the current COVID-19 pandemic, is currently before the AFL.

Speculation has swirled in Melbourne around the possibility of current co-tenant North Melbourne relocating to Tasmania.

But Godfrey insists the state’s case was not about relocating an existing club south or seeing two Melbourne clubs merge — the aim was to become the league’s 19th club.

AFL Taskforce chairman Brett Godfrey says the state is still in the hunt for the AFL’s 19th licence. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

He believes just like after the global financial crisis, the AFL will bounce back.

“The COVID issue facing the AFL is regrettable all around,” Godfrey told the Mercury.

“Spectators want to go to games, broadcasters want content, players want to compete and Tasmania still wants its own team.

“If the GFC of 2008 is any guide then today’s difficult environment, while painful, should see the pent-up demand for football return pretty quickly.

“The key is for all clubs – whether AFL, community footy or even the corner milk bar – to hunker down, manage cash and ensure they come out the other side.

“The demand will likely return as it did in 2009-10 to normal trends.

“The Taskforce remains confident that its 2025 business case for admission is valid.”

Godfrey and Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein had started discussions with the AFL prior to the coronavirus breakout.

An AFL spokesman told the Mercury Tasmania’s business case remains on the league’s agenda, but obviously was not on the list of priorities at present.

Godfrey said this was completely understandable, but the Taskforce was prepared to wait it out and wasn’t going anywhere.

“The AFL, along with all Australian professional football codes, are dealing with the inherit risk of survival, in a near-zero revenue environment,” he said.

“A 19th Tasmanian team is not, nor should be, the priority of the game right now.

“The Taskforce, however, has not gone away but given we are seeking a 2025 outcome we are not a priority nor need be a distraction.

“The AFL leadership is clearly focused on stabilising and protecting the existing membership today.

“Make no mistake, while being patient today, once the dust has settled we will be back at ‘the door’ promoting Tasmania’s credentials for inclusion.”

Modelling in the business case shows a worst-case scenario of needing $11 million from Tasmanian taxpayers to run the club but a more likely spend of just $7.3 million to receive 11 home games and a return of $110 million and 360 jobs to the economy.

The state currently pays Hawthorn and North Melbourne $8 million a year for eight men’s AFL games in Tasmania.