According to a leaked state government report, an AFL team could make its way to Tasmania and play home games in Launceston before eventually moving to a brand new stadium in Hobart.
The Age and the Hobart Mercury have reported that as early as 2025, we may see a 19th AFL team from Tasmania.
“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 pay around $8.5 million annually that sees them host eight North Melbourne and Hawthorn games each season.
Once that agreement is at its completion, most of that money could go towards investing in a new Tassie team.
Launceston's University of Tasmania Stadium holds around 20,000 people, but could extend to 30,000 to host home games before a move to Hobart.
The report states that with government funding, a new 30,000 seat stadium could be built at Macquarie Point, which is within walking distance of the CBD.
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 are expected to release their report in two weeks.
