The AFL has refused to budge on its stadium requirements for Tasmania’s entry into the competition, despite pressure from a coalition of 21 local politicians demanding a rethink.
In a statement, the league made it crystal clear that a new roofed stadium at Macquarie Point remains non-negotiable for the Tasmania Devils’ licence.
“A clear component of the licence bid from the Tasmanian taskforce was a new roofed stadium at Macquarie Point with a capacity of at least 23,000,” the AFL said.
“The AFL’s continued position is that this is a condition for the grant of the 19th licence.”

The statement comes as the state’s political landscape remains in chaos following last week’s no-confidence vote against Premier Jeremy Rockliff.
An election is expected to be requested by the premier today following an emergency sitting of parliament this morning.

On Monday, 21 politicians spanning federal, state and local government wrote to AFL CEO Andrew Dillon seeking urgent talks about renegotiating the Devils’ licence requirements.
The group, led by Greens MP Vica Bayley and comprising mostly crossbench members, argues the stadium proposal “remains overwhelmingly opposed by the Tasmanian community”.
But the AFL appears unmoved, instead highlighting the Devils’ growing support base of more than 210,000 members who have pledged their backing.
“The Tasmania Devils continue to make great progress led by Chairman Grant O’Brien, CEO Brendon Gale, the board and inaugural team members Kath McCann and Jack Riewoldt,” the league said.
List of politicians that signed the letter to the AFL
Tabatha Badger MP – Member for Lyons – Greens
Vica Bayley MP – Member for Clark – Greens
Senator Nick McKim – Senator for Tasmania – Greens
Cassy O’Connor MLC – Member for Hobart – Greens
Helen Burnet MP – Member for Clark – Greens
Cecily Rosol MP – Member for Bass – Greens
Senator Peter Whish-Wilson – Senator for Tasmania – Greens
Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP – Greens Leader and Member for Franklin – Greens
Rosemary Armitage MLC – Member for Launceston – Independent
Miriam Beswick MP – Member for Braddon – Independent
Rebekah Pentland MP – Member for Bass – Independent
Mike Gaffney MLC – Member for Mersey – Independent
Craig Garland MP – Member for Braddon – Independent
Kristie Johnson MP – Member for Clark – Independent
Senator Tammy Tyrrell – Senator for Tasmania – Independent
Meg Webb MLC – Member for Nelson – Independent
Andrew Wilkie MP – Member for Clark (Federal) – Independent
Senator Jacqui Lambie – Senator for Tasmania – JLN
Andrew Jenner MP – Member for Lyons – JLN
Anna Reynolds – Lord Mayor of Hobart – Mayor
Sue Hickey – Mayor of Glenorchy – Mayor