AFL boss Gill McLachlan has landed in Hobart this morning to announce Tasmania’s long-standing dream of having its own AFL team.
All 18 AFL clubs voted in favour of awarding the game’s 19th license yesterday, bringing years of campaigning by Tasmanian football supporters to an end.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the offical announcement, which is expected to be made this afternoon.
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff, who is understood to speaking alongside McLachlan for the announcement, said ‘today’s the day.’
“After decades of fighting, and being told no, time and time again. Our team, in our colours, singing our song,” he said.
“What a day to be a Tasmanian.”
Tasmanian Greens leader Cassy O’Connor yesterday said the announcement of what was effectively a ‘billion dollar license’ for the Tasmanian team was ‘bittersweet’ – referring to plans for a new, $750 million stadium at Macquarie Point.
“We’ve got our team but what a price we’ve been asked to pay,” she said.
“That’s money that won’t be invested in health, housing or public education. It’s also looking like a half a billion dollar debt, at a minimum, which will be carried by generations of Tasmanians along with the hundreds of millions it will lose over decades.”
