Sydney chairman Andrew Pridham has warned of the dangers of rushing an AFL team in Tasmania, citing the issue of player retention at franchise clubs Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney and saying it could risk “a black hole for the competition” if it hit the Apple Isle.
The AFL has consistently said that it is moving closer to a decision on a 19th franchise, with league executives optimistic of a positive outcome.
But The Age has spoken to several club presidents, who have grown frustrated that clubs have received little to no information ahead of their meeting with the AFL next Monday.
Andrew Pridham.Credit:Peter Braig
Pridham told The Age that, while he is very supportive of Tasmania having a standalone AFL team, clubs need to be provided with both a business case, and an environmental case, in order to prove its viability.
“The last thing we need is another team that has a player merry-go-round, like we’ve seen with Gold Coast and GWS,” Pridham said.
“Let’s learn from what’s happened and try not to see it happen to Tasmania. I would think that’s the prevailing view [among other clubs] … [but] we haven’t been given any information.”
Pridham said that if clubs were expected to discuss any potential for a Tasmanian team at next Monday’s meeting, the AFL should provide the necessary reading material with at least a few days notice.
Lance Franklin and the Swans are one win from the grand final.Credit:AFL Photos
When asked if the issue of a Tasmanian team was going too late into the year, Pridham said: “It’s certainly heading there, particularly if your team is potentially going to be in the grand final.”
According to senior sources at three clubs, the AFL has intimated that once the league provides the information, presidents will be given at least two weeks to consider the proposition for a 19th franchise.
It means that any decision is likely to extend into October at the earliest.
“I do become frustrated – I keep getting portrayed as rampantly negative on a Tasmanian team. I’m not, I’m supportive … but we need information.”
Sydney Swans chairman Andrew Pridham
“If it’s going to happen, we have to make sure it’s successful for the team, but also so it’s not a black hole for the competition,” Pridham said.
“Successful, to me, for a team in Tasmania – we’ve got a case study with Gold coast and GWS – successful means, on-field, they can attract talent and retain talent.
“It also means that fans from other states want to travel there to go to games, and that means significant infrastructure and a good environment; otherwise it becomes a merry-go-round of talent, and that’s not good for anybody.
“I have an open mind, but let’s see what the situation is in terms of financing facilities and access to talent. They’ve asked us to ‘vote on it’, fine. Well, let’s get some information to make a decision.
“I do become frustrated – I keep getting portrayed as rampantly negative on a Tasmanian team. I’m not, I’m supportive … but we need information.”
Pridham and his Swans are preparing for a preliminary final showdown with Collingwood, whose new President Jeff Browne has also been so far unconvinced about a 19th team.
League boss Gillon McLachlan has spoken privately with Browne on several occasions. Gold Coast’s Tony Cochrane and Hawthorn’s Jeff Kennett have also voiced concerns about the viability of a team in Tasmania.
“I don’t see the urgency,” Pridham continued.
“It’s not like they’ve been in the comp for 150 years, so why rush it? Let’s get it right.”
The AFL has been contacted for comment.
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