Fans unleash passion and fury about an AFL stadium in Hobart
The likelihood of Federal Government funding in next month’s budget for the missing piece of the puzzle for a Tasmanian AFL team has Mercury readers fired up. THE REACTION
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The likelihood of Federal Government funding in next month’s budget for the proposed Macquarie Point stadium, the missing piece of the puzzle for a Tasmanian AFL team, has Mercury readers fired up.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is believed to be planning a visit to Hobart this weekend for a pre-budget announcement of a $240 million injection for the $750m Hobart stadium, which would confirm Tasmania gets a 19th AFL licence.
Reader Andrew says: “Well done to Jeremy Rockliff and his team. You have stared down the wokes and naysayers and finally delivered Tasmania its own team. Roll on the stadium!!”
William coined it as a political stroke of genius: “Wow, federal Labor are going to clean up next election.”
But Mustard Mitt thinks it might backfire: “Hang on, the AFL Players Association haven’t agreed to it yet. They are rumbling about their members having to play all Gather Rounds in Adelaide, they may not agree to play regular games in Tassie. It could lead to a strike and then Albo will be torn between his love of publicity and his Party’s pro-union platform.”
Dale put it simply: “About time.”
Another Mercury reader said: “We knew it was coming and I can’t wait for the official announcement. To the no campaigners [laughing emojis].”
Lindsay believes a Tasmanian team was a waste of time.
“There is no need for a 19th licence. The granting of second licences in the NRL states (NSW and Qld) has been a disaster. It would be the same if NFL licences were granted in SA and WA. The paying public don’t want it. They are too rugby set in their ways. Tasmania has produced some of the best players ever to play Aussie rules. I would wager that relocating GWS and Gold Coast to Launceston and Hobart would be a winner overall.”
Audrey was also not a fan: “What a pathetic waste of money in times of need.”
Chris was onboard: “I see our naysayers are slowly waking up to the great news.”
John had his own take on the announcement: “Is this the deal Gillon McLachlan made with Albanese Government funded stadium in Hobart in return for the AFL giving their support of Albanese’s racist and divisive “Voice”?”
David’s thought skipped ahead to how AFL players would enjoy life in Tassie.
“On the one hand this is brilliant for Tas if this means the announcement of a new team is imminent. Well done! But good luck retaining players as living in Hobart will be a very tough sell. It may be great for the 50+ year olds but there’s only so many times young men can visit MONA before they want to move to the mainland and live in any of the large, vibrant, warmer cities to play their footy.”
Another reader named David said: “Great news about the team, but an absolute shocker to use Mac Point as a site for a stadium. Demonstrates a complete lack of imagination.”
John disagreed with David, telling him: “I reckon Mac Point is perfect. Hobart buzzes only at yacht time. This will enliven the whole harbour precinct permanently. Minimum of 5,000 visitors per game from other states. Boom times ahead for the under-appreciated Tasmania.”
As did Matt2960: “What would you like to have in there David? It’s a rubbish bin, always has been and always will be unless this goes ahead. Good on Rocky for getting this done!”
Duncan, of South Australia, did not agree with the Federal Government spending his money this way: “Why are my taxes, and your taxes, being paid to subsidise AFL again? Here in SA we just shelled out millions of taxpayer dollars for a Gather Round.”
Others saw the positives of the Gather Round and in footy generating an economic boost.
Tim: “U also got 60000 Victorians in your state spending money for 4 days.”
Luke: “Look at your return … it was absolutely massive.”
Ryan: “Duncan, 55,000 interstate visitors were in Adelaide for the Gather Round. What that did for your economy more than outweighed the tax dollars that were spent.”
Michael was not convinced the Macquarie Point funding was a good thing.
“And the winners are…..pass the envelope please. The AFL and the CFMEU, come and get your trophies. Being a truckload of taxpayer dollars.”
Peter was in the Rockliff camp: “I cannot believe it! Tassie has finally made a decision against the “Naysayers Industry”. Well done, congratulations. As a traditional Labor voter, may the Libs stay in power for the next decade for taking this courageous decision. Go Rocky!”
Another Labor voter, Ryan, also planned to jump ship: “I’m a traditional Labor voter too. State Labor’s stance on this since day 1 has ensured they’ve lost my vote at a state level. Surely Bec White’s position is now untenable. Well done Albo!”
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