Revealed: Tasmania’s dream to have two AFL clubs replace North Melbourne for home games in Hobart
As North Melbourne prepares to play its last home game in Hobart this weekend, it can be revealed Tasmania wants two clubs to replace the Roos temporarily before the Devils enter the AFL.
North Melbourne’s exit from Tasmania could open the door for up to two temporary tenants to fill the void the next two AFL seasons, with the Roos’ rivals in Hobart on Sunday a strong candidate.
Richmond confirmed reports in July they had been approached by the Tasmanian government to play games at Hobart in 2026 and 2027, but for no longer than that to make way for the Devils’ planned entry into the AFL in 2028.
The government first approached the Tigers around two months ago. While negotiations are still preliminary and any possible deal is far from being agreed, it is hoped Richmond will consider transferring one home game per year to Hobart for the next two seasons.
However, this masthead understands the government’s ideal scenario is for two clubs to agree to an identical partnership of one home game apiece in Hobart for both 2026 and 2027. It would ensure two AFL games are played there for each of the next two seasons.
A handful of other clubs have been sounded out about their interest in taking up the one-game-per-season, two-year proposal, but only two teams maximum would be given the green light.
The Tigers confirmed this week there are no further updates to report after first confirming talks had taken place four weeks ago.
“Richmond can confirm the club has been approached by the Tasmanian Government,” a spokesman for Richmond said last month.
“It is a proposal that the club is yet to fully consider, and it would need to be of significant benefit to the club if we were to pursue it.”
The Kangaroos will end their 14-year deal with Tasmania after Sunday’s game to begin a partnership with West Australia, and played two of their usual four home matches in Hobart in Bunbury and Perth this year.
Officials believe a massive club like the Tigers, and another possible suitor, would dramatically increase the number of fans travelling from Victoria for an annual trip to Tasmania, boosting the state’s tourism, hospitality and accommodation sectors.
The Kangaroos have struggled for wins in recent years, and often play other low-drawing sides like West Coast and Port Adelaide in Hobart.
Ideally an agreement would be reached with potential clubs within a month, giving the AFL time to arrange its draw for next season.
It has been reported the Tigers may consider moving their home games scheduled for Marvel Stadium to Hobart, given they struggle to generate big crowds there and therefore lose money on games.
They currently have four Tasmanian players in their first choice side, including skipper Toby Nankervis, Rhyan Mansell, Seth Campbell and Sam Banks.
“I think a couple of us Tassie boys are hopeful of playing a couple home games down there,” Mansell told this masthead this week.
“As long as they don’t take it away from the MCG games, then it’s all sweet.”
North Melbourne star and Launceston product Colby McKercher said he’ll miss the regular chance to play in front of family and friends.
“I’ve been loving playing games in Hobart. It’s great to have all my family come down to the game,” he said.
“I’ve really enjoyed it and it’s a shame it’s the last game of the partnership, but it’s been a really strong one. I think it’s close to 15 years, so it’s been really good for the state and the club, I think.”
It is believed any potential deal struck with clubs to play in Hobart would be similar, on average for a single game, to that brokered by the ACT government with GWS Giants.
The Giants extended its agreement by ten years in 2022 to play games in Canberra. The deal totalled $28.5 million, with around 50 AFL and AFLW games played there over decade.
The next two years is the last chance for clubs to take advantage of selling games to Hobart. It will be more attractive to those who haven’t yet signed long-term arrangements with other regions.
One game per year is also far less likely to disrupt fan bases, and what clubs can offer with home matches in annual memberships.
Any games sold to Hobart would strictly be for the next two years only, which differs to Hawthorn’s strongly-stated desire to continue playing games at Launceston post-2027.
The Hawks have played games at UTAS Stadium for 25 years. Early this year they extended the arrangement with a two-year, $9.1million deal to play four games per season there until 2027.
It’s understood upgrades to UTAS Stadium remain on track, which is vital given the facility will be extremely busy before Hobart’s planned Macquarie Point stadium is operational.
AFLW, VFL/W will also be played there, as well as Hawks games should they stay put.
The upgrades are scheduled for completion in the second half of 2027. It’s hoped by the end of next year the eastern standard upgrades will be finished, and in-fill seating in the western stand.
New LED boards, light towers and lights are also part of the upgrades.
