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A future Tasmanian AFL team could play home games in Launceston and eventually a brand new inner city stadium in Hobart, according to a leaked state government report.
The Age and the Hobart Mercury are reporting that the state’s yet to be released AFL taskforce report says a 19th AFL team could be ready to represent the Apple Isle as early as 2025.
“From a timing point of view I think it’s [2025 onwards] about spot on,” new Tasmanian premier Peter Gutwein told The Age.
“I don’t think we’re ready for a Tasmanian AFL team immediately.”
The Tasmanian government pays $8.5 million annually to host eight North Melbourne and Hawthorn matches per season.
Once that agreement runs out, the taskforce recommends using most of that money to invest in a state-based side.
Launceston’s University of Tasmania Stadium could also be expanded from 20,000 to 30,000 seats to host home games before an eventual move to Hobart.
The report says with federal government funding a new 30,000 seat stadium could be built at Macquarie Point, which is within walking distance of the CBD and has good light rail links to the northern suburbs and ferry links to the city’s east.
The taskforce – including Virgin Australia co-founder Brett Godfrey, former Saint Kilda champion Nick Riewoldt, former Woolworths chief executive Grant O’Brien and Ricky Ponting Foundation chief executive James Henderson – is expected to release their report in two weeks.
© AAP
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