North Melbourne could be replaced by Richmond as the host club for Hobart over the next two years, with the Tigers emerging as a target for the Tasmanian State Government.
The Kangaroos will exit their partnership with Tasmania at the cessation of this season, with the club's Round 23 contest at Ninja Stadium to be their last home game at the venue.
That match, ironically, will come against Richmond, who "will contemplate" the idea of moving some, or all, of their home games at Marvel Stadium to Bellerive Oval.
According to 7 News' Mitch Cleary, the Tassie government is eyeing Richmond as the ideal replacement for the Roos prior to the Tasmania Devils' likely arrival for the 2028 campaign.
"The Tasmania State Government wants Richmond to replace North Melbourne in Hobart over the next two seasons before the Devils enter the AFL in 2028," Cleary said on Tuesday night.
"We know North Melbourne will move their remaining Hobart games back to Marvel Stadium, leaving a gaping hole in the content schedule for Hobart.
"The Tasmania State Government wants Richmond to fill the void, offering a big payday to move one or two of their Marvel games to Hobart.
"It is early in the process, it's something the Tigers will contemplate over the coming months before making a decision."
Richmond have a strong connection to Tasmania, with club greats Ian Stewart, Royce Hart, Michael Roach, Matthew Richardson and Jack Riewoldt all natives to the island state.
Current captain Toby Nankervis, flanker Sam Banks and forward duo Rhyan Mansell and Seth Campbell also hail from Tasmania.
The Tigers have played two games at Bellerive Oval, both coming against the Kangaroos across the 2015-2016 seasons, with Richmond losing the affairs by 35 and 70 points respectively.
