Should Tasmania have an AFL team?

[Dry Rot]

Should Tasmania have an AFL team? Interesting article about this.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-02-13/analysis-tasmanian-afl-ultimatum-for-local-team/13150966

Tasmania's AFL ultimatum is the right move, but it places the entire sport in Tasmania at risk

Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein believes his ultimatum to the AFL presents Tasmanians with the ultimate win-win — and he's probably right.

Either the AFL gives Tasmania a date for entry to the league, or the State Government cuts funding to Hawthorn and North Melbourne, leaving multi-million-dollar holes in their balance sheets.

It's a threat from the pen of a Premier in charge of a state that no longer has anything to lose, and a scenario the AFL surely doesn't want to see happen.

But if the goal of a Tasmanian team is to resuscitate Australian rules football in Tasmania, the move is somewhat dangerous.

What if the AFL calls Tasmania's bluff and says "no team for you", leaving Tasmania either footy-less or having to pay other Victorian teams on a one-off basis to come to Tasmania to play games?

[boydogs]

No it's too small. The state is too spread out, the North is smaller than the South and the stadium in the South is in the equivalent spot to Williamstown, attendances would be small and TV audiences the same

[Hotdog60]

Would support be any less than GWS?
I think they should have a team and I think it needs to either one of North or Hawthorn and I'm leaning towards North.
One less team in Victoria may help the others that are left and over the years Tassie has produced some very good footballers.
Supporter base may not ever be large but the government you would assume after this push from them will continue to support them financially. National advertising for any large company down could be worth throwing in a few dollars to.
Isn't Cadbury based there?
If it good enough to have a second team in the northern states its good enough to have one in Tassie.

[GVGjr]

They should have a team but it's going to be harder to make that happen given the challenges the AFL has in front of it.
Working against it is that the state competition is particularly weak and is struggling to field enough viable teams

Unless a team is willing to relocate I think it's still a few years off happening

[bornadog]

I would prefer Tasmania than a Gold Coast based team. At least Footy is followed in Tassie. GWS are hanging on by a thread and the only thing going for it is the population of Sydney could sway a few to AFL. Sydney Swans have taken a long time to establish up there and GWS will also take at least another 20 years.

However, Boydogs has a point about North/South divide and any team would have to split their home games between Hobart and Launceston.

[The Underdog]

Would support be any less than GWS?
I think they should have a team and I think it needs to either one of North or Hawthorn and I'm leaning towards North.
One less team in Victoria may help the others that are left and over the years Tassie has produced some very good footballers.
Supporter base may not ever be large but the government you would assume after this push from them will continue to support them financially. National advertising for any large company down could be worth throwing in a few dollars to.
Isn't Cadbury based there?
If it good enough to have a second team in the northern states its good enough to have one in Tassie.

When they first started, my theory was that GWS should have been nicknamed the Devils, so they didn’t have to change their nickname when they moved to Tassie.
I’m not 100% convinced a Tassie team could stand alone, but GWS and Gold Coast can’t either, so I don’t see the difference. Tassie would possibly require less AFL dollars than them, which possibly makes it more attractive.

[Twodogs]

It's farcical that there's a team on the Gold Coast but no team in Tasmania. Tassie should have been shored up with a team and the support of people who actually follow the game locked in before we went off on a folly in Qld.

People on the Gold Coast don't care about sport and they certainly don't care about AFL but people in Tasmania do. At least they did until the AFL ignored them. They have a right to feel slighted and the AFL should fix the problem before it's too late.

[Rocket Science]

If the Suns & Giants can endlessly sup at the teat of the 'national' competition, for little reward thus far, why not our Taswegian friends?

Failing that perhaps David Walsh needs a new hobby.

[The Adelaide Connection]

There are 200K in Hobart, 90k in Launceston and all up about 500k in Tasmania. It is probably important to note that there are only 250k in Geelong and 600k in Rugby heartland Gold Coast.

Assuming the natives embrace the team in the same way that occurred for the Crows (with huge swathes of people casting aside their main allegiances to existing AFL clubs) then it is a no brainer.

A Tasmanian team playing for a unified Tasmania should have a stronger supporter base than most Melbourne clubs have in Victoria. They should also be able to get a stadium deal that is more like the favourable money printing situation that Geelong find themselves in.

[Mofra]

No it's too small. The state is too spread out, the North is smaller than the South and the stadium in the South is in the equivalent spot to Williamstown, attendances would be small and TV audiences the same
The population is about 50% more than Geelong.

[Mofra]

A Tasmanian team playing for a unified Tasmania should have a stronger supporter base than most Melbourne clubs have in Victoria. They should also be able to get a stadium deal that is more like the favourable money printing situation that Geelong find themselves in.
With the Hawks and North deals ending, that's a fair chunk of cash too - I believe the current proposal will be underwritten by the state government as well which de-risks the entire project.

Now that we have bye rounds during the season I don't see a problem with having a bye every week in a 19 team competition. A unified Tassie team will be more financially secure than the last two expansion teams.

[GVGjr]

With the Hawks and North deals ending, that's a fair chunk of cash too - I believe the current proposal will be underwritten by the state government as well which de-risks the entire project.

Now that we have bye rounds during the season I don't see a problem with having a bye every week in a 19 team competition. A unified Tassie team will be more financially secure than the last two expansion teams.

It's a good observation. I'd prefer not to have byes but for the greater good of the competition and the fact that Tassie deserve it I hope the AFL get this moving. I don't have a second side and never will but an AFL Tassie side might just get me having a rethink

[Ozza]

It's farcical that there's a team on the Gold Coast but no team in Tasmania. Tassie should have been shored up with a team and the support of people who actually follow the game locked in before we went off on a folly in Qld.

People on the Gold Coast don't care about sport and they certainly don't care about AFL but people in Tasmania do. At least they did until the AFL ignored them. They have a right to feel slighted and the AFL should fix the problem before it's too late.

I'm not so sure that its that they don't care about sport - but I think that a lot of the people that move to the Gold Coast already have a team, in whichever code they follow.

In terms of a team in Tassie, yes the population and crowd numbers probably don't support it - but it is infuriating to me that we have teams in GWS and Gold Coast that nobody ever wanted, and do nothing but cost the league money - but we were prepared to do that instead of funding a team in Tassie.

I hope that Tassie do cut the funding for Hawthorn and North.

[Twodogs]

I'm not so sure that its that they don't care about sport - but I think that a lot of the people that move to the Gold Coast already have a team, in whichever code they follow.

Yep fair point. That's probably more the case. Most of the population of dolls and he Gold Coast move there from somewhere else and they come with inbuilt allegiances in place. I'm not 100% unconvinced that we have a team there so AFL officials have somewhere nice to escape to from Melbourne in July and August.




I hope that Tassie do cut the funding for Hawthorn and North.


Me too. For one thing Tassie isn't going to get a team of their own while the state government is supporting those two.

[Twodogs]

It's a good observation. I'd prefer not to have byes but for the greater good of the competition and the fact that Tassie deserve it I hope the AFL get this moving. I don't have a second side and never will but an AFL Tassie side might just get me having a rethink

Dunno if I'd go that far!

[bornadog]

Dunno if I'd go that far!

I never will have a second side

[Mofra]

I never will have a second side
I have in the VFL (Williamstown) but that's a team I grew up with, not a new introduction

[Ozza]

I never will have a second side

My second side/s are whoever is playing against Essendon or Hawthorn on that particular day.

[bornadog]

My second side/s are whoever is playing against Essendon or Hawthorn on that particular day.

Haha, yes of course


I have in the VFL (Williamstown) but that's a team I grew up with, not a new introduction

Yeah, I meant in AFL

[GVGjr]

Dunno if I'd go that far!

Lets just put it this way, I'd be vastly more invested in seeing them succeeding than GWS, Gold Coast or Essendon

[EasternWest]

My second side/s are whoever is playing against Essendon or Hawthorn on that particular day.

But what if Essendon is playing Hawthorn?

[Twodogs]

Lets just put it this way, I'd be vastly more invested in seeing them succeeding than GWS, Gold Coast or Essendon

Very true.


But what if Essendon is playing Hawthorn?

Watch cricket on Foxtel.

[bornadog]

But what if Essendon is playing Hawthorn?

Prefer Hawks if that is the case

[EasternWest]

Watch cricket on Foxtel.

Watch cricket - pass
on Foxtel - hard pass

Nothing is ever that bleak.

[Twodogs]

Watch cricket - pass
on Foxtel - hard pass

Nothing is ever that bleak.

Now you're just looking for problems.

What was the question again?

[Ozza]

But what if Essendon is playing Hawthorn?

Depends on what is happening at the time....whoever is the underdog is proabably the preference to win in that scenario.

[EasternWest]

Now you're just looking for problems.

What was the question again?

I got 99 problems but supporting Rupert Murdoch ain't one.

[Twodogs]

I got 99 problems but supporting Rupert Murdoch ain't one.

The government will just bail him out anyway. I don't see how denying myself cricket is damaging Murdoch in any way.

Boycotting the Herald Sun and the Australian I'm on board with though.

[EasternWest]

The government will just bail him out anyway. I don't see how denying myself cricket is damaging Murdoch in any way.

Boycotting the Herald Sun and the Australian I'm on board with though.

Hey I'm not judging you - I'm just telling you that wizened husk of an incubi is getting nothing from me.

There's nothing I want to see badly enough that I'd pay him for. Nothing.

[Twodogs]

Hey I'm not judging you - I'm just telling you that wizened husk of an incubi is getting nothing from me.

There's nothing I want to see badly enough that I'd pay him for. Nothing.

Agree completely. We don't have Foxtel, got rid of it and went with Kayo a couple of years ago.

[bornadog]

Agree completely. We don't have Foxtel, got rid of it and went with Kayo a couple of years ago.

Kayo is owned by Foxtel ;)

[Twodogs]

Kayo is owned by Foxtel ;)

Go to your room.

[jeemak]

TD is so right wing he's drawn to Murdoch products without even knowing it!

Back on topic, and I don't want to come off as patronising (well no more than I usually do) but the people of Tasmania actually deserve something for themselves in a socio-economic landscape that usually forgets them or takes them for granted. And I think an AFL team is a good place to start.

A refurb in the south, and a base in the north would sort out home games split evenly between the two grounds/ geographies. A government sponsorship, I don't know, something similar to the one the Hawks have benefitted from for over a decade and they're on their way.

Tasmania is only going to become stronger in a post COVID world. The real estate is cheaper but is booming and won't stop, and folks can work remotely more readily now than they could in the past. Football tourism to Tasmania and its wine regions and excellent outdoor activity options will grow. The AFL should be looking to Tasmania for something different and unconventional.

[mjp]

I would prefer Tasmania than a Gold Coast based team. At least Footy is followed in Tassie.

I think this is the case for the team in Tassie AND for the counter.

Footy ratings in Tassie are as high as anywhere else in Australia...it isn't like the AFL will attract a new audience by moving there. Carlton will lose a few thousand members as the locals jump ship to Team Tassie but no new supporters are going to appear.

Teams on the Gold Coast and the GWS area - particularly the GWS area - are at least targeting new supporters/players/etc...10000 members for the Giants is prob 8000 new to the game - 10000 in Tassie is prob 9999 existing followers of other clubs.

When the Weagles/Cows/Sh!t Fish/Power stumped up the $4million for licenses, Tassie could have done the same - the VFL saw the $-signs and wanted the money...but funding and corporate support was an issue. Why is that so different now?

From a 'footy' level, of course Tassie should have team. But why would the factional nature of footy 'down there' that has always made having a single state league an issue be resolved by plonking an AFL side in - I assume - Hobart?

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Would a potential solution to the partisan divide in Tassie between North and South be overcome by making them the Tasmanian team, and splitting their home games between Launceston and Hobart?

[soupman]

Would a potential solution to the partisan divide in Tassie between North and South be overcome by making them the Tasmanian team, and splitting their home games between Launceston and Hobart?

I think they are gonna have to go for a soccer type "Tasmania United" name, although without understanding the Tasmanian mindset would that just feel like it was a team that was hedging it's bets and wasn't really committing to either?

I love the idea of a Tassie side, but i do think it has limited scope. As mjp says it won't attract a new crowd to the game, and personally i find it hard to see it become a bigger club than a St.Kilda or Melbourne, although that isn't to say it couldn't be a very well run club that is a force on field. I do think there are more factors at play though than just "as financially big as possible", i think the AFL's role as a caretaker of the game should be less about cold financial realities and more about whether it can continue to grow the game for all and do the right thing. The right thing from my pov would be to keep clubs like North not only going but give them opportuntiies to grow een if the perceived benefit is less than what say a Richmond could claim, and providing a team to a loyal footy state that may not be the sexiest option would be a positive move in that regard.

Also I hate the constant belittling of GWS and Gold Coast. I don't think anything we have seen regarding their off field support or success has been unexpected (well maybe Gold Coast could have used some better facilities) but the potential for both is still there and throwing them away now would be dumb. Bad analogy but it would be like putting your 9 year old up for adoption because he isn't an adult yet, even though you (the AFL) knew it would take 18 minimum from the outset.

[Twodogs]

TD is so right wing he's drawn to Murdoch products without even knowing it!



My dear old dad used to accuse me of being right wing because I aligned with Labor Unity and worked to undo socialist control back in my Young Labor days in the '80s.

Happy days!

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

The decision to allow Hawthorn and NM a presence in Tasmania has effectively killed off the development of local Tasmanian football.
Gone are the days when the likes of Baldock Stewart Roach Hart Lawrence Crosswell Davis and many others were recruited by Victorian based Clubs. The massive AFL National TV contract which requires two Clubs in both Queensland and NSW is the main cause of the feeble attempt to have a Tasmanian based Club . The Tasmanian Government hasn’t helped its cause by sponsoring the two Melbourne based Clubs to the tune of $8 million dollars to play in Tasmania, money that should have been used to promote its own Tasmanian football development.
It has been a financial windfall for both Hawthorn and North Melbourne.
The AFL now effectively runs football in Tasmania which has only served to drastically weaken local competitions.
Hard to believe that Tassie which has a proud history of Australian Rules football has been forced to die on the vine at the expense of both Queensland and NSW which are both dominated by Rugby and where the AFL has spent millions and millions of dollars to make them viable.

[bornadog]

The decision to allow Hawthorn and NM a presence in Tasmania has effectively killed off the development of local Tasmanian football.
Gone are the days when the likes of Baldock Stewart Roach Hart Lawrence Crosswell Davis and many others were recruited by Victorian based Clubs. The massive AFL National TV contract which requires two Clubs in both Queensland and NSW is the main cause of the feeble attempt to have a Tasmanian based Club . The Tasmanian Government hasn’t helped its cause by sponsoring the two Melbourne based Clubs to the tune of $8 million dollars to play in Tasmania, money that should have been used to promote its own Tasmanian football development.
It has been a financial windfall for both Hawthorn and North Melbourne.
The AFL now effectively runs football in Tasmania which has only served to drastically weaken local competitions.
Hard to believe that Tassie which has a proud history of Australian Rules football has been forced to die on the vine at the expense of both Queensland and NSW which are both dominated by Rugby and where the AFL has spent millions and millions of dollars to make them viable.

Good assessment NBP

[Bulldog4life]

The decision to allow Hawthorn and NM a presence in Tasmania has effectively killed off the development of local Tasmanian football.
Gone are the days when the likes of Baldock Stewart Roach Hart Lawrence Crosswell Davis and many others were recruited by Victorian based Clubs. The massive AFL National TV contract which requires two Clubs in both Queensland and NSW is the main cause of the feeble attempt to have a Tasmanian based Club . The Tasmanian Government hasn’t helped its cause by sponsoring the two Melbourne based Clubs to the tune of $8 million dollars to play in Tasmania, money that should have been used to promote its own Tasmanian football development.
It has been a financial windfall for both Hawthorn and North Melbourne.
The AFL now effectively runs football in Tasmania which has only served to drastically weaken local competitions.
Hard to believe that Tassie which has a proud history of Australian Rules football has been forced to die on the vine at the expense of both Queensland and NSW which are both dominated by Rugby and where the AFL has spent millions and millions of dollars to make them viable.

That includes the best to come out of Tassie the great Peter Hudson.

[Bulldog4life]

But what if Essendon is playing Hawthorn?

Surely whoever you tipped. :)

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

That includes the best to come out of Tassie the great Peter Hudson.

Thanks B4L. Hudson, Colin Robertson,Graham Wright, Scratcher Neal, John Bonney, Ray Groom, Peter Marquis,Tassie Johnson,John Greening, Rodney Eade, were other well known players to come out of Tasmania. Both Gary Lyon and Richo were born on the North West Coast of Tasmania where their fathers had taken up Coaching roles from the then VFL.

[Twodogs]

Alan Rait was a fairly good player for us from Tasmania.

He kicked 10 v Carlton. 59 in 15 games in his first season with bags of 8 and 7 as well as the 10 but only played 4 more games. Gotta be a story behind that.

https://afltables.com/afl/stats/players/A/Alan_Rait.html

[SquirrelGrip]

So who is the greatest Bulldog from Tasmania?

Super MacPherson, Axe Atkins?

[Happy Days]

Jesse Wells?

[azabob]

Jesse Wells?

Patrick Wiggins

[Hotdog60]

Ryan Gardner :)

[comrade]

Ryan Gardner :)

Bevo likes this.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

Alan Rait was a fairly good player for us from Tasmania.

He kicked 10 v Carlton. 59 in 15 games in his first season with bags of 8 and 7 as well as the 10 but only played 4 more games. Gotta be a story behind that.

https://afltables.com/afl/stats/players/A/Alan_Rait.html
Alan Rait sadly was injured in his second year of League football with the Dogs which put an end to his League career He was a brilliant player with North Hobart, heading up the League’s goal kicking in Tassie for 8 years.
Others to play with us from Tasmania included the McPherson’s Steve and Rodney.
Ron McGowan was another coming across from Deloraine. Darren Davies was another from North Hobart.

[GVGjr]

Alan Rait sadly was injured in his second year of League football with the Dogs which put an end to his League career He was a brilliant player with North Hobart, heading up the League’s goal kicking in Tassie for 8 years.
Others to play with us from Tasmania included the McPherson’s Steve and Rodney.
Ron McGowan was another coming across from Deloraine. Darren Davies was another from North Hobart.

Matthew Mansfield was around the same era as Davies, Robert Groenewagon, Peter Street, Brodie Moles (I think) Justin Wood and Wayne Fox

If we were looking to assemble our best Footscray/Western Bulldogs players from Tasmania into a side then Eade would have to be the coach

[jeemak]

James Cook. Averaged almost two goals a game as a Bulldogs.

The dude was a bit nuts, unfortunately.

[GVGjr]

James Cook. Averaged almost two goals a game as a Bulldogs.

The dude was a bit nuts, unfortunately.

Cook was good value and who could forget Trent Bartlett

Simon Minton-Connell and Paul Hudson as well

Michael Martin and Justin Sherman

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

Matthew Mansfield was around the same era as Davies, Robert Groenewagon, Peter Street, Brodie Moles (I think) Justin Wood and Wayne Fox

If we were looking to assemble our best Footscray/Western Bulldogs players from Tasmania into a side then Eade would have to be the coach
Robert Groenewegen was originally recruited from Braybrook in a similar era to DougHawkins Ivan Marsh and Brian Wilson. Robert Groenewgen went on to carve out a successful playing career in Tasmania before becoming General Manager of the Stadium in Launceston where Hawthorn now plays. He was honoured in 2014 for services to Tasmanian Football by being admitted to its Hall Of Fame.

[comrade]

Justin Sherman

I don't remember anyone by this name playing for the Bulldogs.

[boydogs]

I think they are gonna have to go for a soccer type "Tasmania United" name, although without understanding the Tasmanian mindset would that just feel like it was a team that was hedging it's bets and wasn't really committing to either?

Lived in Hobart for 2 years, I think the North/South rivalry is overblown but it is an issue from an attendance/engagement standpoint

[bornadog]

Tasmania’s AFL case is ‘strong’, but pathway into league clouded (https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/tasmania-s-afl-case-is-strong-but-pathway-into-league-clouded-20210813-p58ig1.html)

Colin Carter’s report on Tasmania’s bid for an AFL team has found a strong case for inclusion in the AFL.

But the report suggested that a relocated team would be stronger - “formidable” - compared to a standalone team

“The review found that the case for Tasmania is strong. There should be a team representing Tasmania in the AFL and AFLW competitions. However, the best form of that team is less clear cut,” AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said on Friday.

Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein will address the report at a press conference at 11am.

Seven had reported on Thursday night that the Carter report did not recommend a start-up 19th team, saying there was no business case for expansion because it wouldn’t add television dollars, and that it would require relocation or a club deal to play home games in Tasmania.

North Melbourne have strongly resisted any push to be the relocated Tasmanian team.

Mr Gutwein has previously been aggressive in pushing the AFL for entry into the competition, having indicated that his government will not continue to fund Hawthorn and North Melbourne - which receive about $8 million from the Tasmanian government for their home games in Launceston and Hobart respectively - unless there is a commitment to a team fully based in the state.

Carter was asked to review a Tasmanian government-commissioned task force report - in effect, assess the merits of the task force’s case - by the AFL.

To be granted a license for a team, Tasmania would need the backing of at least three-quarters of the 18 existing clubs in a formal vote.

The task force, led by ex-Virgin Australia boss Brett Godfrey, found that the introduction of a Tasmanian team would arrest the decline of the code in the state and “must be strongly considered to revive and sustain the sport in Tasmania”. It said that a Tassie team would create 360 jobs and add $110m to the Tasmanian economy annually, while warning that support for Hawthorn and North Melbourne had fallen over the past decade in the state.

The Godfrey report said the lack of a team in the state had contributed to the decline of football in the state, warning that current trends would see Australian football no longer the favourite sport by 2030.

The NBL has already put an expansion franchise in Tasmania with the Tasmania Jack Jumpers coming into the league this coming season. The Jack Jumpers, named after a local ant with a painful bite, have signed up their inaugural roster with former NBA player Scott Roth named head coach.

[Axe Man]

Move the Suns or the Great Waste of Space there, problem solved.

[bornadog]

Gillon has thrown the challenge down to North, Hawthorn and Saints.

I vote Hawks.


Move the Suns or the Great Waste of Space there, problem solved.

Gill confirms won't be suns

[Axe Man]

Gillon has thrown the challenge down to North, Hawthorn and Saints.

I vote Hawks.

Gill confirms won't be suns

As much as we don't like our rivals it absolutely should not be a Melbourne club. They all have history and die hard supporters. Short memories as Bulldogs supporters if we are advocating for a team to lose it's identity like we almost did.

I know it won't be the Suns or the plastics, but it should be.

[Grantysghost]

As much as we don't like our rivals it absolutely should not be a Melbourne club. They all have history and die hard supporters. Short memories as Bulldogs supporters if we are advocating for a team to lose it's identity like we almost did.

I know it won't be the Suns or the plastics, but it should be.

I agree, but that recommendation has me wondering more than ever if North are in the gun.

[bulldogtragic]

As much as we don't like our rivals it absolutely should not be a Melbourne club. They all have history and die hard supporters. Short memories as Bulldogs supporters if we are advocating for a team to lose it's identity like we almost did.

I know it won't be the Suns or the plastics, but it should be.

The flip side is those clubs could set up a flag. Demand:

11 Home games (would be great home ground advantage)
No less than 6 Victorian games as away side (allowed to wear old jumper, like Brisbane)
5 other interstate games
Ground upgrades, especially lighting
Finals played in Tassie
Debt paid out
Significant cash into the bank for relocation
State of the art training facilities built
10% Salary Cap boost (akin to , but not specifically, COLA)
20% Soft Cap boost
AFL to pay Clarkson to set the club up for two years (keeps his money as not coaching)
In 2024, if wanted, pay Clarkson to be head coach to run the VFL side and develop kids, then take over
Tassie as an Academy with full rights on all kids
1 x Extra Mid First Rounders for 3 Years (must be traded for players)
Maintain access to existing F/S from club then both clubs going ahead


Hawks nearly merged with Dees
North wanted to merge with Fitzroy
Saints aren’t a well run club


If a club could all but ensure a flag with loads more guns, more cap and the best coach with a great home ground advantage and elite training set up. Maybe others might discuss what the terms of surrender are??

[Axe Man]

The flip side is those clubs could set up a flag. Demand:

11 Home games (would be great home ground advantage)
No less than 6 Victorian games as away side (allowed to wear old jumper, like Brisbane)
5 other interstate games
Ground upgrades, especially lighting
Finals played in Tassie
Debt paid out
Significant cash into the bank for relocation
State of the art training facilities built
10% Salary Cap boost (akin to , but not specifically, COLA)
20% Soft Cap boost
AFL to pay Clarkson to set the club up for two years (keeps his money as not coaching)
In 2024, if wanted, pay Clarkson to be head coach to run the VFL side and develop kids, then take over
Tassie as an Academy with full rights on all kids
1 x Extra Mid First Rounders for 3 Years (must be traded for players)
Maintain access to existing F/S from club then both clubs going ahead


Hawks nearly merged with Dees
North wanted to merge with Fitzroy
Saints aren’t a well run club


If a club could all but ensure a flag with loads more guns, more cap and the best coach with a great home ground advantage and elite training set up. Maybe others might discuss what the terms of surrender are??

I get what you are saying but clubs are not purely a business, it's an emotional issue.

Say the Bulldogs finances go to pot over the next couple of years (certainly a possibility in these uncertain times), would you be happy for us to move to Tassie?

[Murphy'sLore]

Why did Gill rule out the Suns? They're not exactly setting the world on fire where they are. Is it pride?

[hujsh]

Why did Gill rule out the Suns? They're not exactly setting the world on fire where they are. Is it pride?


The Suns are meant to be there for long term strategic reasons so the AFL would maintain that those same reasons still apply. On field performance wouldn't be relevant to that.

[bulldogtragic]

I get what you are saying but clubs are not purely a business, it's an emotional issue.

Say the Bulldogs finances go to pot over the next couple of years (certainly a possibility in these uncertain times), would you be happy for us to move to Tassie?

If we were broke, hadn’t had a flag in a long while and doubted we ever could… maybe. If the terms were right. I’d at least think hard about it.

But we are well off now, won it 2016 and in a window with a great list. So I’m probably the wrong person to ask.

[Murphy'sLore]

The Suns are meant to be there for long term strategic reasons so the AFL would maintain that those same reasons still apply. On field performance wouldn't be relevant to that.

I get that, but how long term are they thinking? What's it been now, ten years? Regardless of on field performance, have they made any traction up there at all?

I only wish our federal government thought as long term as the AFL.

[jazzadogs]

The flip side is those clubs could set up a flag. Demand:

11 Home games (would be great home ground advantage)
No less than 6 Victorian games as away side (allowed to wear old jumper, like Brisbane)
5 other interstate games
Ground upgrades, especially lighting
Finals played in Tassie
Debt paid out
Significant cash into the bank for relocation
State of the art training facilities built
10% Salary Cap boost (akin to , but not specifically, COLA)
20% Soft Cap boost
AFL to pay Clarkson to set the club up for two years (keeps his money as not coaching)
In 2024, if wanted, pay Clarkson to be head coach to run the VFL side and develop kids, then take over
Tassie as an Academy with full rights on all kids
1 x Extra Mid First Rounders for 3 Years (must be traded for players)
Maintain access to existing F/S from club then both clubs going ahead


Hawks nearly merged with Dees
North wanted to merge with Fitzroy
Saints aren’t a well run club


If a club could all but ensure a flag with loads more guns, more cap and the best coach with a great home ground advantage and elite training set up. Maybe others might discuss what the terms of surrender are??

But would Saints fans really get the same joy of finally winning a flag when it's the Tasmanian Saints on the dais?

North are clearly the most likely candidate, but I would be sad if it happened. They only had a few thousand members less than us this year.

[Grantysghost]

But would Saints fans really get the same joy of finally winning a flag when it's the Tasmanian Saints on the dais?

North are clearly the most likely candidate, but I would be sad if it happened. They only had a few thousand members less than us this year.

Fitzroy supporters didn't for the majority did they. It just aint the same. Now I'm older, to be honest I don't care as much. As long as there was a reasonable tie to the past and a significant number of games in Melbourne. But the terms would have to appealing. A few games a year aint going to cut it. 5....maybe.

[bulldogtragic]

But would Saints fans really get the same joy of finally winning a flag when it's the Tasmanian Saints on the dais?

North are clearly the most likely candidate, but I would be sad if it happened. They only had a few thousand members less than us this year.

No so much Saints. But North already playing their, Thomas a Tassie kid, and their inability to turn the 90’s into a more sustainable club makes me think they never will. They’ve been Nomads since then and only Tassie seems to have stuck. If they were the ones and managed it well, that could work the best. But it’s easy with no skin in this game to say it. If their Vic members got 6 replacement games and the colours, jumper, heritage was honoured then there are worse outcomes. I’d rather an expansion club go, but that’s not happening. I do want to see a Tassie team, but 19 doesn’t work. The AFEL should use a gigantic carrot to make North get serious.

[Murphy'sLore]

North are already halfway there.

[bornadog]

North have wiped our their debt.

Saints have debts over $12 million

[soupman]

Saints most vulnerable for mine. North for all their faults are at least solvent. Haqwks would be my pick all things being equal but thats more cause i dislike them.

Regardless not huge on moving a club down there unless it's necessary for their survival and they are on board. Would like to think sport is as much about the non financial stuff as possible, and for a lot of these clubs its too much hurt to give them for what in return?

Gold Coast and GWS are both locked in going forward and I don't buy into any of the arguments to move them.

[Axe Man]

The other option is 2 new teams as an extra game increases TV money, etc. Can the league support 20 teams though? Is it spreading the talent too thin? And of course where does the 20th team come from? A third Perth club?

[Grantysghost]

Gil's thoughts on the report :

"The case can be made for a 19th licence," AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said on Friday, though adding the best form of that team was less clear-cut.
"But re-location of an existing team, if a club is prepared to take that path, or a joint venture between Tasmanian stakeholders and a Victorian team that secures strong support in two markets from the outset, would arguably produce a more sustainable outcome and therefore should be considered before a 19th licence."

[bulldogtragic]

The other option is 2 new teams as an extra game increases TV money, etc. Can the league support 20 teams though? Is it spreading the talent too thin? And of course where does the 20th team come from? A third Perth club?

The Northern Territory is currently putting a bid together.

Talent is a concern. Say in rough terms they need 50 players each. So 100 for two sides. That’s roughly 5 players off every list on average. So I’d guess every clubs fringe players move into their best 23. That looks pretty average across all 18 teams. The standard of games drop, but the afel TV deal increases as you say.

For me a club relocates or nothing should be done. I don’t like the idea of thinning out the talent pool further.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

There isn’t enough talent for 18 teams. 16 was the right amount. You’d probably argue 17 is fine but you don’t want an odd amount of teams. 20 would be horrendous.

[Grantysghost]

There isn’t enough talent for 18 teams. 16 was the right amount. You’d probably argue 17 is fine but you don’t want an odd amount of teams. 20 would be horrendous.

I guess the argument against that would be guys like Rhylee West, Wallis, Weideman et al not getting games.

[DOG GOD]

There isn’t enough talent for 18 teams. 16 was the right amount. You’d probably argue 17 is fine but you don’t want an odd amount of teams. 20 would be horrendous.

Agree, 16 teams was great. Imagine those top line players from GC and GWS spread out thru the other teams now.

[jeemak]

I've got a long memory and time hasn't healed hurt from the way other clubs who have been vulnerable over time have treated us, how their supporters have treated us and how we've been told ten Victorian clubs isn't sustainable by these very people and we should be the ones to go.

I won't shed a tear for any of Hawthorn, North Melbourne or St Kilda if they are pressured into relocating, because two of them have continually tried to pull us down and one of them is arrogant and too clever for its own good which rubs off on its supporters.

[Grantysghost]

I've got a long memory and time hasn't healed hurt from the way other clubs who have been vulnerable over time have treated us, how their supporters have treated us and how we've been told ten Victorian clubs isn't sustainable by these very people and we should be the ones to go.

I won't shed a tear for any of Hawthorn, North Melbourne or St Kilda if they are pressured into relocating, because two of them have continually tried to pull us down and one of them is arrogant and too clever for its own good which rubs off on its supporters.
I personally nominate St.Kilda.

[SquirrelGrip]

I personally nominate St.Kilda.

Tigers for me.

[bulldogtragic]

Geelong for me too. Will save the tax payers billions from the continued over capitalisation of their shit stadium over the next couple of decades. Win-win.

[bornadog]

Geelong for me too. Will save the tax payers billions from the continued over capitalisation of their shit stadium over the next couple of decades. Win-win.

They have just announced they will build the next stage to take the capacity to 40,000. Sedat will be wrapped.

[Ghost Dog]

It will be depressing to see a vic club go if Gold coast is allow to drag down the rest of the comp for years to come.

[bulldogtragic]

They have just announced they will build the next stage to take the capacity to 40,000. Sedat will be wrapped.

So I read. It’s beyond crazy. It should just be name the Pork Barreling By Both Levels & Bith Sides of Government Stadium.

[bornadog]

So I read. It’s beyond crazy. It should just be name the Pork Barreling By Both Levels & Bith Sides of Government Stadium.

I believe a car park was pledged next door as well :D

[bulldogtragic]

It will be depressing to see a vic club go if Gold coast is allow to drag down the rest of the comp for years to come.

I think they destined to merge into the NT proposal for a licence. Make them the Northern Australia Suns still with some GC presence, but also Cairns, Darwin & Alice.

If they can keep 18 clubs, while broadening the net over Tassie, FNQ & NT I think they’d be happy. Just the ID of GCS goes and North or Saints too. Dispassionately, the AFEL would get a better TV deal, increase attendances and have a truly national game. Provided were are in the 18, I can see how that benefits pretty much everyone except one Vic club.

[DOG GOD]

They should just admit GC is a failure and give Tassie a team of their own. Still 18.

[Hotdog60]

I would go with North as they got rid of the South and that just leaves Melbourne.

[soupman]

It'd be really nice to not continually have to hang the threat of relocation or disbandment over the heads of 2-3 Victorian clubs, plus the expansion sides, at any given moment.

Are we really too big a competition to not include teams that have been part of the comp for nearly a century in their current form, especially when they are solvent (North)? Why do we accept the narrative that one of them has to go when there has been no issue this whole time. I mean North are the easiest target and they still regularly attract crowds in excess of 25,000 people, a figure basically any other code would dream of (and is impressive by world wide standards).

Gold Coast and GWS still have a long way to grow, but that is in no way a surprise and also what do people expect? Essendon and Carlton have been stuck in the pit of ineptness for almost as long as the Suns and what do they have to blame? The fact that Gold Coast averaged a crowd of 11,000 in 2019 despite never actually being good in less than 10 years of existence should be a credit to them, not a source of derision. Again they are starting out in a non football area, and as soon as the AFL committed to the project there then they knew it would be a long term plan.

Tassie is great, and I am all for a team there, although am pretty sceptical on it being this big behemoth everyone seems to think it will be. The record crowd there is 17,000, and i suspect in the depths of winter there could be some very low crowds. I'm not saying this against Tassie, but I do think it will have its own struggles at least optically. If it has a poor first 5 years like Gold Coast has had (and averages a reasonable crowd figure of say 13,000) do we all start bagging it out for being a failure as well and that it was always a dumb place to put a team?

I'm a bit tired of everyone punching down at the two expansion clubs, I'm not really sure what everyone expected. If Tassie is included it should be as the 19th side, no team should be "punished" by being sent down there unless they choose to go, and it's going to require patience until it becomes a side that everyone thinks is actually worthy of being in the comp.

[boydogs]

Pressuring existing clubs to relocate is like living to work not working to live, getting carried away with the money as opposed to it being a means to an end

[jeemak]

It'd be really nice to not continually have to hang the threat of relocation or disbandment over the heads of 2-3 Victorian clubs, plus the expansion sides, at any given moment.

Are we really too big a competition to not include teams that have been part of the comp for nearly a century in their current form, especially when they are solvent (North)? Why do we accept the narrative that one of them has to go when there has been no issue this whole time. I mean North are the easiest target and they still regularly attract crowds in excess of 25,000 people, a figure basically any other code would dream of (and is impressive by world wide standards).

Gold Coast and GWS still have a long way to grow, but that is in no way a surprise and also what do people expect? Essendon and Carlton have been stuck in the pit of ineptness for almost as long as the Suns and what do they have to blame? The fact that Gold Coast averaged a crowd of 11,000 in 2019 despite never actually being good in less than 10 years of existence should be a credit to them, not a source of derision. Again they are starting out in a non football area, and as soon as the AFL committed to the project there then they knew it would be a long term plan.

Tassie is great, and I am all for a team there, although am pretty sceptical on it being this big behemoth everyone seems to think it will be. The record crowd there is 17,000, and i suspect in the depths of winter there could be some very low crowds. I'm not saying this against Tassie, but I do think it will have its own struggles at least optically. If it has a poor first 5 years like Gold Coast has had (and averages a reasonable crowd figure of say 13,000) do we all start bagging it out for being a failure as well and that it was always a dumb place to put a team?

I'm a bit tired of everyone punching down at the two expansion clubs, I'm not really sure what everyone expected. If Tassie is included it should be as the 19th side, no team should be "punished" by being sent down there unless they choose to go, and it's going to require patience until it becomes a side that everyone thinks is actually worthy of being in the comp.

I think we as Dogs supporters punch down onto GWS and GCS because as we were on our decline after a solid crack for a few years they were perceived to be taking what we were owed through equalisation, and there was still talk at the time of lowly Melbourne clubs being sacrificed to rationalise the Victorian arm of the competition. We've held off the wolves by winning a premiership and through good management becoming sustainable, but what would our lives be like if we didn't sack BMac, never got Bevo on board and had a decade of mediocrity? I know what that looks like, it looks like Peter Gordon having sleepless nights trying to keep us afloat and WOOF being overly optimistic about trading for Two Metre Peter year after year to solve our forward line malaise after burning a shit tonne of the good draft decisions we've made in real life and chasing magic beans.

If we don't keep this run of good management and form up we will be a target for rationalisation again. And it's incumbent upon all of us to understand that and do what we can to point out the inequity and stupidity of "expansion" for the sake of it, and how it screws clubs like ours. Additionally, those at our level in Melbourne will kill us as soon as they can. In this upcoming post COVID environment resources are going to be tighter than ever and we will need to fight tooth and nail for everything we get. Shit is about to get seriously ugly within the AFL, especially if we go another finals series without reasonable crowds which is highly likely.*

Anyway, a bit like GWS and GCS if Tassie got its own team it's not really competing for market share like the multi-team towns it would be carving out its own niche.

Yes both GCS and GWS are technically part of multi-team cities/ states but they're new teams in very different parts of their regions and I think any Tassie team has an awesome opportunity to carve out something similar but with a head start because they would be based in a footy state. If given the chance they could cultivate a very strong and dedicated following, suitable to the capacity of their stadiums and sustainable overall.

We talk about allegiances to pre-existing AFL teams and it already being a captive market, but I think we undersell how parochial folks in Tassie are and how willingly they would unite and take it up to the mainland. Yes, intra-state rivalries are stronger in Tassie than in most states in Australia, but if funding is distributed equally to get members on board from all areas of Tassie it's more than possible the whole state would be behind its team.

Give them two clean stadium deals, engage at the junior level properly and it's going to work. The people of Tassie are close to my heart, I've travelled there heaps of times for different reasons and they just deserve to be given a go at making this work. Give them and their team an opportunity to shine and show how awesome their place, their spirit and them themselves are. They'll make it work.

*I'm a collectivist by nature, but I'm also scarred by how poorly we have been treated by our fellow clubs over time. This is a topic that I really feel can turn against us if we let our guards down, and it's genuinely us or them.

[hujsh]

Pressuring existing clubs to relocate is like living to work not working to live, getting carried away with the money as opposed to it being a means to an end


I think this is one case where that might not be true. A Tassie team doesn't add much more money to the AFL but it should exist for Tasmanian AFL fans.

Not sure of the best way to make it happen though.

[Happy Days]

Punching down is very underrated. Funny, easy, no fear of respite; what's not to like?

[Ghost Dog]

"The AFL's Purpose is not to maximise shareholder value but rather to maximise enjoyment of our game," Carter states in his report.

There is a more succinct line later: "It is the right thing to do."

Time then, to do it properly.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-08-14/tasmania-afl-team-colin-carter-report-fence-sitting/100376020

A stupid amount of good footy players comes from Tassie. Reward for return.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

"The AFL's Purpose is not to maximise shareholder value but rather to maximise enjoyment of our game," Carter states in his report.

There is a more succinct line later: "It is the right thing to do."

Time then, to do it properly.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-08-14/tasmania-afl-team-colin-carter-report-fence-sitting/100376020

A stupid amount of good footy players comes from Tassie. Reward for return.

They really think we’re that stupid? Yeah everyone enjoys AFL going to western Sydney and the Gold Coast where they don’t give a damn about the sport rather than a football heartland like Tassie.

[DOG GOD]

They really think we’re that stupid? Yeah everyone enjoys AFL going to western Sydney and the Gold Coast where they don’t give a damn about the sport rather than a football heartland like Tassie.

Exactly. Tassie should well and truly have been a part of the AFL before those 2.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Exactly. Tassie should well and truly have been a part of the AFL before those 2.

A tassie team would instantly become every victorians second team. I mean, I never have a second team, but if we can’t win it, it’d be tassie who I want to see win it. And that includes if the saints relocated there. I hate them.

DG, how would you feel towards a tassie team? Obviously you’re dogs through and through, but would a tassie team hold any meaning to you?

[Ghost Dog]

Tassie would add a lot of social capital and cultural capital to AFL.
GWS and GC add little in terms of cultural capital.

[The Adelaide Connection]

Two new licences- Tasmania and NT

20 teams, everyone plays each team once
20*19= 380 games v the current 18*22=396 games
-Throw in one or two “Rivalry rounds” to get off the extra derby/showdown/Q clash/Bridge battle/traditional Vic/NTvTassie
-An extra one could be based on the previous seasons ladder position (GF rematch, 3v4, 5v6 etc) which would be a bit like how they weight the fixture with teams that finished in the same bracket.

So 20*20=400 or 20*21=420 games in total. Either way you are reducing games for each team without impacting the total games and (critically) broadcasts.

20 teams probably flags an argument for a playoff pre-finals round- 7v10 and 8v9
This gives the top 6 a week off and two ratings blockbusters in what has otherwise been the Pre-finals bye round.

[bornadog]

Two new licences- Tasmania and NT

20 teams, everyone plays each team once
20*19= 380 games v the current 18*22=396 games
Throw in one or two “Rivalry rounds” to get off the extra derby/showdown/Q clash/Bridge battle/traditional Vic/NTvTassie
An extra one could be based on the previous seasons ladder position (GF rematch etc) which would be a bit like how they weight the fixture with teams that finished in the same bracket.
So 20*20=400 or 20*21=420 games in total. Either way you are reducing games for each team without impacting the total games and (critically) broadcasts.

20 teams probably flags an argument for a playoff pre-finals round- 7v10 and 8v9
This gives the top 6 a week off and two ratings blockbusters in what has otherwise been the Pre-finals bye round.

I like it. I think the NT team should also include Northern Qld and Nth Western Australia. Could take in all the indigenous players form those areas.

[The Adelaide Connection]

I like it. I think the NT team should also include Northern Qld and Nth Western Australia. Could take in all the indigenous players form those areas.

There is certainly scope to make Townsville or Cairns a second home too, much the same was as GWS has Canberra. Considering teams like ours have banked $1 million for hosting games up there, it should go a long way to making anNT team fiscally viable. What’s Broome’s facilities like? Maybe at worst the WA government could tip in a bit of money to get a ground to AFL standards?

[The Adelaide Connection]

Two new licences- Tasmania and NT

20 teams, everyone plays each team once
20*19= 380 games v the current 18*22=396 games
-Throw in one or two “Rivalry rounds” to get off the extra derby/showdown/Q clash/Bridge battle/traditional Vic/NTvTassie
-An extra one could be based on the previous seasons ladder position (GF rematch, 3v4, 5v6 etc) which would be a bit like how they weight the fixture with teams that finished in the same bracket.

So 20*20=400 or 20*21=420 games in total. Either way you are reducing games for each team without impacting the total games and (critically) broadcasts.

20 teams probably flags an argument for a playoff pre-finals round- 7v10 and 8v9
This gives the top 6 a week off and two ratings blockbusters in what has otherwise been the Pre-finals bye round.

I should add that teams battling out to get to 10th would reduce dead rubbers and add extra intrigue to the last few rounds.

On the current ladder If WC win today, everyone outside the 8 has their season ended. With the playoff 7-10 system you have five current teams (9-13) fighting for ninth and tenth next week. Looking at the fixture that sees 6 of 9 games with both teams alive for finals (as opposed to the 3 of 9 that is likely next week).

The elimination style games in the last round (where teams that are on the cusp are trying to win by x amount of points) are often some of the best and best rating-wise of the year. There would be bumper ratings for this round.

[bornadog]

No stadium, no club: AFL’s $750m ultimatum to Tassie as 19th team talks heat up (https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/no-stadium-no-club-afls-750m-message-to-tassie-as-19th-team-talks-heat-up/news-story/4f4856d3f98d50c00720c95349c8cb9b)

AFL boss Gillon McLachlan says Tasmania will need a new stadium if they are to be considered for a 19th stand alone team in the future.

McLachlan, who met with new Tasmanian premier Jeremy Rockliff in Hobart on Thursday, suggested it was expected a new club would have a stadium that would compete with modern facilities - which means a fresh one.

story continues - click heading

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FUyc_JiaMAAIMUm?format=jpg&name=900x900

[DOG GOD]

I’m Tasmanian. Live in Tassie (Launceston) and I just can’t see this becoming a reality. No AFL supporter I’ve spoken to would change their club to barrack for Tassie. They may buy a membership to help, but not change clubs. A 26,000 seat stadium would be lucky to fill 6,000 in a Tassie vs Freo game. I also just can’t see it being financed the way it needs. I also think 18 teams is just right.

[Hotdog60]

18 teams is about right and North should provide the team.

[bornadog]

18 teams is about right and North should provide the team.
why North? Why not Hawks or Saints? Saints are in huge debt, North are debt free

[Flamethrower]

Sounds like Gil has been watching too many Kevin Costner movies..."If you build it, they will come".

[josie]

Why not make it that every team plays in Tassie once in a season or similar? Tassie fans deserved a team before GC and GWS.

[Hotdog60]

why North? Why not Hawks or Saints? Saints are in huge debt, North are debt free

No particular reason only they have already half moved there. I would also consider the Hawks and I think the Saints are safe because of where they are located.

No malice intended but when they shipped out South Melbourne I would have thought North was next to go. That's purely on that Melbourne only has one team with Melbourne in their name.

[GVGjr]

As much as I would like to see a Tasmanian team I have my doubts it would work

Tassie need an effective state league that underpins a state team. 10 teams at least that are correctly funded not the 7 that they have in place now. A friend of mine believes they all need an extra 200K to run their clubs. So there is 2M a year the AFL would need to stump up to get this competition right.

Geographically the state is too big because if it was just an hours drive between Hobart and Launceston they would be able to appeal to both cities.

I also wonder if they would have trouble keeping young players there because we know the Suns do and they have fantastic weather.

The club would need significant investment and I doubt the AFL is still in a position to prop up a club for a lengthy period.

19 teams would have a very disjointed competition. Is there enough AFL standard players to accommodate a 19 or 20 team competition?

[azabob]

19 teams would have a very disjointed competition. Is there enough AFL standard players to accommodate a 19 or 20 team competition?

I'm not too fussed either way if a team is in Tassie or not.

I's question if we have enough standard players to accommodate 14 team.

[Grantysghost]

Talent is already spread too thin.

Move Suns there maybe

[GVGjr]

Talent is already spread too thin.

Move Suns there maybe

The Suns are showing signs of belonging. They've had problems with player retention but they seem to be over that now. A move to Tassie would probably start that up again.

[Grantysghost]

The Suns are showing signs of belonging. They've had problems with player retention but they seem to be over that now. A move to Tassie would probably start that up again.

Fair point. I just hate the idea if 19 teams for a start because you can be sure that means 20 as they'll not want byes.
The talent is spread so thin already.

[chef]

They are already slowly ruining the game(stupid new rules and paying ridiculous free kicks), diluting the quality of football further with another team is just madness.

People are already voting with their feet(and bums) towards this product. Worrying times for the league.

[boydogs]

Weather is an issue in Tassie. For spectators if not players. The Cairns game needs to be at a certain time of year for the same reason. The new NBL team went crazy here but that was indoors and summer

[bornadog]

Weather is an issue in Tassie. For spectators if not players. The Cairns game needs to be at a certain time of year for the same reason. The new NBL team went crazy here but that was indoors and summer

Need the new stadium to have a roof

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

Why not make it that every team plays in Tassie once in a season or similar? Tassie fans deserved a team before GC and GWS.

Sadly the AFL’s lucrative National TV rights requiring two teams in Queensland and NSW was the major factor in denying Tasmania access. The decision by the Tasmanian Government to sponsor North and Hawthorn for a total of 20 million dollars has been provided to the detriment of local Tasmanian football which is now at a very low ebb. GWS was given $80 million dollars by the AFL in its first two years of commencement, with huge draft priorities leading it to play in 5 final series in the past 8 years.
It would be a huge surprise that the AFL would now do something similar to Tasmania given the opposition by other Club Officials opposed to a 19th Club in Tasmania