‘Time to unite’ declares AFL Tas boss after state games success

AFL Tasmania’s boss says the huge support and passion emanating from Saturday’s win over Queensland at North Hobart Oval shows what opportunities await if the community rallies behind an AFL team and the stadium.

Sam Siggins celebrates the winning goal in Tasmania’s win over Queensland on Saturday. Picture: Linda Higginson

AFL Tasmania head Damian Gill has declared the wave of support shown for Saturday’s state games is rock solid proof of the opportunities that await - as long as the community rallies behind the stadium and the state’s AFL team.

Gill said a packed North Hobart Oval, and a triumphant win for the men’s side over Queensland, showed what Tasmania can achieve if it unites behind a cause.

“If we want an AFL team to be successful and be set up for long term success and sustainability, we need world class infrastructure that supports that,” Gill said.

“I understand the debate and respect the passion on both sides, but it’s time to come together.

“Saturday showed when we band together as Tasmania we’re a pretty impressive unit, and very formidable.

“The nature of Tasmania is we’re broken into three regions and we are parochial, and I think there’s opportunity for that to be healthy in a footy context. But when we come together and unite it shows what we can do.

“If you want an AFL team, you’ve got to be behind a stadium. That’s what the AFL and the 18 clubs have agreed on, we’ve got to get behind it.”

Gill said it was difficult to predict what attendance the state’s first senior fixtures in six years would attract, but was rapt with the turnout of over 7000.

Tasmania V Queensland state football game at North Hobart Oval. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

It sends another statement the state is ready for its own teams, which is slated to begin with VFL and VFLW teams in 2025 before an AFL team starts in 2028.

Yes Stadium supporters made their presence known at the ground.

“Saturday shows what the dream of a VFL team could look like in the first instance, and then what an AFL team could look like,” Gill said.

“One of the good things is there was so many kids, the next generation seeing our best local Tasmanian men and women put on a show, I think that’s magnificent.

“It was a really strong crowd for what still is local footy, albeit our best local footballers.”

Gill also confirmed AFL Tasmania plans to return the favour to Queensland and send men’s and women’s teams north for a rematch next season.

“The day was an outrageous success. Over 7000 people, a genuine celebration of Tassie footy,” he said.

“It was another healthy reminder of what football means to Tasmania.”