A legendary footballing name has supported the notion that Tasmania's AFL side does not need a stadium with a roof in order to join the league in 2028, with North Melbourne senior coach Alastair Clarkson likening the conditions of the state to advantages proudly capitalised on in other sporting leagues across the globe.
Clarkson highlighted how his team adjusts well to the typically windy conditions thanks to the Roos' regular experience at Hobart's Ninja Stadium in recent years and believes it will play a factor in creating a "good game of footy" against Richmond on Sunday.
"I'm a fan of just opening [a stadium] up to the elements," Clarkson said on Friday.
"The Green Bay Packers haven't got a roof on their stadium, and they use it as a competitive advantage for the way they play their games there. When it comes to such a significant expense... they'll work that out, I'm sure.
"We've played at the oval a fair bit, so that provides some sort of assistance, I'm sure. I don't think the conditions will be too dissimilar to today, it was pretty blowy today and pretty fresh... it'll be similar on Sunday, so we're looking forward to the contest; it'll be a good game of footy."
North Melbourne's partnership with the state of Tasmania will conclude after this season, which Clarkson found to be a bittersweet moment, but believes the inclusion of the Devils will help the AFL truly become a "national competition".
"It's been a great connection with the state of Tasmania that the club has had for a long period of time now," Clarkson said.
"There's a touch of sadness to it, to be fair. We have built up a really good link with the Tassie state and the people within the Tassie state.
"But we all move on, Tassie's moving on in terms of having their own side, and that's exciting for the state. It's exciting for the game; it probably should have happened many, many years ago.
"A national competition should have every state represented, and I'm sure that's something the league will consider in years to come.
"I think there's genuine commitment from everyone involved in the game that our game's going to be better off if Tasmania feature as a part of our national competition."
The first bounce between Richmond and North Melbourne will hit the turf at Ninja Stadium at 1:10pm on Sunday (AEST).
