AFL CEO Andrew Dillon has declared it “a historic day” for the Tasmania Devils after parliament approved the construction of a multi-purpose stadium at Macquarie Point.
The vote clears the final major hurdle for the Devils to enter the AFL and AFLW in 2028.
“Since the announcement of the club on May 3, 2023, the Devils have made great progress, ticking off milestones along the journey and pleasingly today, through parliament, the Tasmanian people have spoken,” Dillon said in a statement after the vote on Thursday night.
“This is an incredibly important outcome for everyone who has worked tirelessly to see a Tasmanian footy club compete on the national stage and for the hundreds of thousands of Tasmanians who have stood behind the Devils with such passion and pride.”
More than 210,000 members have signed up to support the club since it was announced.
The Devils have also launched their colours and name and joined the VFL and VFLW competitions.
Dillon acknowledged there was still work ahead but backed the club to be ready.
“Creating a new AFL/AFLW club from scratch is no small task, there is much still to be done by the club to be ready for 2028,” he said.
“However, given the progress to date, we could not be more confident that the Devils will make an immediate impact on the AFL/AFLW in 2028.”
The AFL boss pledged the league’s ongoing support for Tasmania’s bid.
“On behalf of the AFL and the 18 clubs we will continue to do all we can to support the establishment of the Devils and our newest club in the proud footy state of Tasmania,” he said.
Tasmania Football Club chair Grant O’Brien, in a message to members on Friday morning, said this week has been “one of the most significant” for them.
“A week where our nearly 215,000 founding members have voiced their support of our club,” he said.
“A week where we have seen and heard our community members and business leaders speak out and the Tasmanian parliament reach a conclusion on the Macquarie Point stadium project.”
“The decision in our Legislative Council overnight to support the development of Macquarie Point stadium is a defining moment for our club and for Tasmania.”
“We acknowledge how material this decision is for Tasmania and we thank all of those that have shown vision and leadership in getting to this position.”
O’Brien said the club is committed to ensuring it is a “unifying force” for Tasmania.
“The journey we have been on for the last two years has been full of twists and turns and ups and downs,” he said.
“Along that journey we have stayed single-mindedly focused on creating and building a club that our fans, members and community would be proud of.”
“A club that would deliver far-reaching benefits that are so much bigger than football. This remains our clear focus.”
He also thanked everyone for their support and encouragement.
“As a club we will do everything within our control to deliver a club that reflects the pride we have in being Tasmanians. Together,” O’Brien said.
