As Tasmania edges closer to its first season in the AFL, the focus will soon shift to a 20th team joining the competition.
Speaking on the Six Points AFL podcast, Mark Stevens reveals his tip for the 20th AFL team.
“I've just got a little one on the makeup of the competition; the more I hear, obviously we are heading towards 20 clubs. I think that's inevitable," he said.
“My mail is not the Northern Territory, and I'd be putting my money on a third team in Western Australia; it would be in the sort of growing belt down south of Perth. I think there is some support there for another team in WA, perhaps down in Bunbury, Mandurah, that growing area down there.”
Stevens believes that the Northern Territory isn't suited for an AFL side.
“So I wouldn't say Northern Territory definitely, I just don't think the NT works, it's too greasy, too slippery, the footy's rubbish up there, you would have to put a roof on a stadium, it would be like a hot house," he added.
“So just keep an eye on that, there will be a 20th team, and I think a third one in WA; it makes sense with a growing population, the economy's booming over there.”
In constrast, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese threw his support behind the NT gaining an AFL license.
"I'd love to see a team here in Territory, as I'm sure all Territorian would," Albanese said, according to News Corp.
“The Northern Territory has a great history of producing great footballers. Of course in this area, surnames like Rioli, I met Cyril Sr when I visited here (last time).
The AFL will eventually add a 20th team to the competition to return to an even number of teams after Tasmania joins in 2028.
