AFL commentator Eddie McGuire has delivered a blunt warning that Tasmania could lose its chance at an AFL team if political turmoil derails the stadium deal.
Speaking on Local Radio this afternoon, the former Collingwood president said the introduction of a 19th AFL team was already causing significant unrest among existing clubs.
He said there would be little sympathy from mainland clubs if the state ‘blows itself up’.
“If everyone said no down there [in Tasmania], there might be a big sigh of relief up here and go, right ok good,” McGuire said.
“Everybody wants Tasmania to be in the AFL because it’s something that we all believe in developing the game and because of the great history of Tasmania.”
He said the 23,000 seat roofed stadium at Macquarie Point is an absolute must for the team to go ahead, suggesting Tasmanian Labor are risking the Devils’ future with their motion.
“In real terms, it’s not the greatest business decision in the world for AFL football at this moment in time. So you’ve got to be very careful.”
“The agreement was there, and this is what is required to build an AFL team that will be successful in the AFL competition.”
“Not New Norfolk versus Penguin, but a team that compete against Collingwood, West Coast Eagles, Carlton, Essendon, all the big teams in the competition.”
The media personality expressed frustration that Tasmania appeared to be trying to water down the agreement after initially supporting it.
“The deal’s done. You either do the deal or you don’t do the deal,” McGuire said, adding there was “zero prospect” of renegotiating terms.
He warned that other options were being considered, including a third Western Australian team or expansion into New South Wales’ Central Coast or Darwin.
Tasmania’s parliament is continuing to discuss the motion, with a vote expected later this evening.
