AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan has pledged the league will fund approximately $360 million into Tasmania to support the state's bid for an AFL license, however the investment is contingent on the state receiving further funding for a new stadium.
Labelled an "imperative" aspect for expansion, a new stadium and the league's investment is dependent on $240 million in federal government funding being added to help development.
McLachlan spoke at a Dialogue Tourism + Business Luncheon in Tasmania on Thursday amid ongoing discussions with the state government into the AFL's plans to expand the competition to 19 clubs.
While Tasmania firms as the clubhouse leader to secure the next league license, a major sticking point in plans to bring in a new club in the island state has surrounded the need for a new first-class stadium.
Development plans have been flagged to build a lucrative new sports and entertainment venue at Macquarie Point, something McLachlan pushed strongly in his keynote speech.
Revealing Tasmania are "unbelievably close", McLachlan said 2023 might just be the year where the AFL confirms plans to expand into its sixth state.
"For better or worse I have been at the AFL for 20 years and talk of a team in Tasmania has been a constant in that time," the speech began.
"For a variety of reasons, put starkly it has never been a possibility. We had expansion over a decade ago. Tassie was knocked back on key strategic grounds and not considered. It deeply hurt Tasmanians.
"Coming into my 10thย season as CEO, I haven't been able to walk into any setting without being asked โwhen is Tassie getting a team?'
"Wellโฆ.. finallyโฆ. Maybe in 2023.
"It's not because of a business case or strategic imperative, it's because its core to our purpose. It's about being truly national. Every Australian seeing themselves in our national game. Having our code vibrant in this state.
"We are here through absolute grunt and drive of Peter Gutwein and Premier Jeremy Rockcliff [sic], and because of that we are now unbelievably close."
McLachlan confirmed that the league's $360 million in funding will be split across stadium plans, grassroots and talent pathways across a 10-year window, stressing the need to "set up a team for future success, not for future failure".
Planning to strengthen Tasmania's pathways programs in every corner of the state, McLachlan also shared hopes to see participation double thanks to access and upgrades to 70 new ovals to accommodate the new demand.
"Our fans want, deserve, and expect the best experience and the best experience needs the best stadiums and the supporters are voting with their feet," he said.
"That is why there can be no team without a stadium. We need to set up a team for future success, not for future failure. It is that simple.
"I want to outline what the AFL is committing to.
"From now through to the first decade in the life of a new Tasmanian club, representing Tasmania, featuring Tassie talent, the AFL will invest around $360m in the State.
"$360m invested in Tasmania to support football and a Tasmania team. Representing all parts, the North, South, East and West from grassroots to the elite."
McLachlan confirmed the league's estimated $360 million investment will look to fund the following:
- Minimum of $15 million in the stadium in the Arts and Entertainment precinct
- $10m in the Clubs Training & Administration facility
- $93m in game development that I will outline further
- $33m to develop young male and female talent in Tasmania
- $209m in distributions to the new club over the first 10 years to cover base funding, variable funding, AFLW funding and special list establishment funding to ensure a strong team from the start.
"We are close, but we also understand that any major infrastructure project takes time. And it requires support," McLachlan continued.
"I wish to close by acknowledging the enormous persistence and massive commitment from Premier Rockliff and the Tasmanian State Government, and the work of the Tasmanian AFL Taskforce to bring this bid to life to what it is today.
"These things are always hard and always take time. A team that unites Tasmania is worth the hard work and worth the time. A team that makes Tasmania a better destination for all is worth the hard work and the time.
"We are really close, but we need to grasp this moment in time. Unite behind the team. Envision the opportunity a new stadium presents. And be excited for everything a Tasmanian license can bring to every person and every part of this great state.
"I look forward to your support."
McLachlan was urged to "do the right thing" from as many as 10 state politicians this week to expand the AFL into Tasmania without having to build a new stadium.
โHey Gillon, here's an idea: give Tasmania the team without making us build a stadium,โ a joint statement read.
โTasmania is one of the founding football states and has a long history of making rich contributions to the national game.
โThat is why we deserve a team of our own without having to make taxpayers pay for a stadium โ something no other state has had to do to get a team.
โWe are putting politics aside to make this plea: give Tasmania a licence, let us have our dream.โ