Gutwein backs UTAS to be Devils’ den in 2028

Former premier Peter Gutwein has declared his belief Launceston’s UTAS Stadium should host more Devils AFL games in 2028. Here’s why the next five years are so important.

NTFA president and former premier Peter Gutwein at Launceston's UTAS Stadium on Friday. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

Northern Tasmanian Football Association president Peter Gutwein has branded the next five years for the game in the state as the “most important in history”, and believes Launceston could host up to eight Devils AFL games in 2028.

The former premier also declared the game needs to be prepared for a participation boom, similar to basketball since the JackJumpers’ inception into the NBL.

Gutwein, who only took on the NTFA top job a few weeks ago, reaffirmed his belief Hobart’s new stadium won’t be ready for Tasmania Devils’ first AFL campaign in 2028, with Launceston set to benefit.

“Blind Freddy can see what will happen in 2028 is we’ll have a minimum of four AFL games, which is what is happening at the moment (under Hawthorn’s current deal with UTAS Stadium),” Gutwein said at the venue on Friday.

“But with what’s going on in Hobart, my very firm view is that the stadium will not be built by 2028.

“I think we’ll see six, seven, possibly eight AFL games here (Launceston).

“I’d hope Hawthorn would bring one of their home games from Melbourne here as well. Along with VFL/W and AFLW, UTAS is going to be a very busy oval and we have to consider that as part of our long term thinking.”

Work has begun on upgrades at UTAS Stadium. Picture: Supplied

The full works programs for UTAS Stadium upgrades is scheduled to be completed by early 2027.

Gutwein believes it will give the venue the chance to host blockbusters including the bigger supported club.

“What I can’t wait for is the first time we have Collingwood play here, and I’m certain they will, or Carlton,” he said.

“Those games are going to set the city alight. What will be important with our role as the NTFA, is to make sure our local football product is still seen and heard as these larger games come to town, and take into account our rostering.

“This as an infrastructure project is long overdue.”

Gutwein said initial discussions had already taken place to be prepared for an increase in participation once the Devils come to town.

Grant O'Brien chair with Kath McCann executive director. Tasmania Football Club year in review. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“The next five years for football in Tasmania are going to be the most important five years in the state’s history,” he said.

“There’ll be VFL in 2026, AFL in 2028, there’ll be investment in facilities and the stadium, and all these things will impact on football going forward,” he said.

“We need to start planning for what I think will be an explosion in football playing numbers. “You only have to look at what’s happened with the NBL, and the growth we’ve seen there. “Already in the state the junior (football) growth is significant. Here in the north it will accelerate as soon as we start to see content from the Devils team, in and around the Launceston area.

“Already I’ve engaged with Launceston City Council and the state government to have a discussion about what the strategy is moving forward.

“I think we’ll see (participation) growth of 25 to 40 per cent in that five year period. What it means is we’re going to need to have grounds, facilities and also volunteers to support that.”