Hawthorn skipper James Sicily has weighed in on the proposed difficulties facing Tasmania's future AFL list management team, claiming that he “couldn't see himself living" in the Apple Isle full-time.
Despite the defender routinely travelling to Tasmania, turning out on 21 occasions at the Hawks' ‘home away from home' in Launceston, Sicily claimed that the lack of lifestyle options could cost the league's 19th side access to gun talents.
"As a young guy, because there's not much happening there, it would be quite difficult. I couldn't imagine myself living there as a young fella,” the first-year captain told RSN Breakfast on Wednesday.
Still, Sicily did concede he was not across the entirety of the state's activities on offer, admitting that he hadn't spent much time in Hobart, the city proposed to house Tasmania's impending $750 million stadium.
"I've only spent time in 'Launie' (Launceston), Hobart's a bit different. There's a bit more happening in Hobart,” he added.
"It would be hard."
Sicily's comments come as Tasmania's AFL bid earned its biggest shot in the arm yet, with the Albanese Government readying itself to tip in the final $240 million needed to get the waterfront stadium deal over the line.
As first reported by WIN News' Brent Cottesloe on Monday, the Federal Government is set to come to the party, joining the Tasmanian State Government and the league in helping front the bill for the capital city construction.
A noted sports fan, Mr. Albanese is expected to make his way south for an official announcement on Saturday, essentially rubber-stamping the latest piece of AFL expansion.
Earlier in his conversation with former Hawk and Blue Daniel Harford, Sicily added his voice to the growing debate surrounding a Mid-Season Trade period, suggesting that while a sound idea in theory, there were still kinks to iron.
"I think it makes sense," Sicily said of the proposal.
"It would be circumstantial, but if a player is not getting a look in after a good pre-season and they think they deserve an opportunity at AFL level, and their not getting it, I'm sure they'd want to explore their options.”
However, the star stopper echoed concerns raised by AFL Player's Association boss Paul Marsh that following the American custom of trading players against their will remained unfeasible due to the hefty pay gap.
"That's a hard one, particularly because the money's not quite the same as those NBA players. (On) millions and millions and millions of dollars, (it's) easier to set up a new life somewhere else," he said.
"If (an AFL player) was to get traded interstate, it would be hard. I'm not as sold on that yet."
Sicily's views were raised after Essendon head coach, and former league employee, Brad Scott stated on Tuesday that the moved appeared "inevitable".
