AFL club presidents gearing up to vote on whether a licence should be granted for a stand-alone team in Tasmania remain concerned about the potential cost the game might bear in building a new stadium at Macquarie Point, Hobart.
With the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to announce on Saturday that the federal government has committed $240 million in the May budget to an urban renewal project at the Macquarie Point site, which will include a new stadium, the league is preparing to put the final proposal to the club bosses.
However, one club boss with knowledge of the concerns of several clubs speaking on the condition of anonymity, said they would seek detail on who would be responsible for any cost variations on the new stadium, which is not due to be completed until 2029.
The presidents have collectively supported the AFL’s decision to make the granting of a licence contingent on a new stadium, but according to another source with knowledge of the views of several club presidents, more than one club want to be confident arrangements are locked down before throwing their unequivocal support behind the expansion.
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan has consistently said the bid for a team in Tasmania was contingent on a new stadium being built in Hobart.Credit: Getty Images
The decision on whether to grant a licence depends on the commission and can only be overturned if two-thirds (13 of 18) of clubs oppose the decision, however McLachlan has consistently said he wants broad alignment across the clubs.
The AFL remains confident they will be able to allay club concerns, having told CEOs during Gather Round to ensure their clubs put any questions to the league about the proposal by the end of that week.
According to an industry source with knowledge of the discussions about a potential AFL announcement relating to a Tasmanian team once funding for the stadium was secured, tentative plans were being put in place for the league boss to be in Hobart next week.
However, it remains unclear whether a hook-up of presidents could be held that quickly with the next meeting between the league and club bosses scheduled for Friday, May 26.
Despite the federal government announcement being expected on Saturday, the AFL remained coy when asked about their plans beyond the weekend.
“The Tasmanian government has put a case to the federal government and the AFL is confident that a stadium in Hobart can do for Tasmania what Adelaide Oval has done for SA and Optus Oval has done for WA,” league spokesperson Jay Allen said.
″We know the Federal Government has been considering the business case for Macquarie Point and ultimately, it is a decision for them as part of their budget consideration.”
The Tasmanian government has made a $375 million commitment to the stadium and also promised to underpin the new team’s first 12 seasons with $12 million a year while putting in $60 million to build a high-performance centre in Hobart.
The state government has also committed $65 million to upgrade the UTAS Stadium in Launceston.
