On Saturday night, the Tasmanian Government reignited its push for its own AFL team, stating they would even take the Gold Coast down to Tasmania if the Suns folded.
Tasmanian Premier Will Hodgman said his state are more than capable of becoming the home of a new club should the AFL expand.
In an interview with the Sunday Herald Sun, Hodgman said the league wouldn't be complete until it had a Tasmanian side.
“Bearing in mind we have existing arrangements, we would of course talk to the AFL about any opportunity to progress the plan to secure a Tasmanian team.
“The AFL won’t be a truly national competition until it has a Tasmanian side.”
The Suns are struggling again in 2017, and could be rocked by further end of season departures with former skipper Gary Ablett and current captain Steven May possibly heading back to Victoria in the upcoming off-season.
Hodgman said Tasmania could back an AFL side in the Apple Isle, and believes the entire state would get behind the side.
“Tasmania is an AFL state. We love our footy and we have produced some of the game’s greats," he said.
“Tasmania’s economy is strong and business confidence levels are high. We are a hotspot destination for investment and the nation’s premier tourism state. Why wouldn’t companies want to support a Tasmanian team?”
Hodgman also believes playing home matches in both Hobart and Launceston would help the state get right behind the team.
“A Tasmanian team playing games across the state would be a great thing," he added.
Its not just Hodgman that believes Tasmania deserve the side, with AFL chief executive Gillon Mclachlan throwing his support behind the idea last month.
“I believe Tasmania deserve their own team,” he said. “If nothing else for the fact they are so passionate, so committed to our game.”
