North Melbourne has announced its AFL team will pull out of Tasmania entirely by the end of 2025.
The Kangaroos will begin transitioning out of the state to Western Australia next year, hosting just two AFL matches and two AFLW home games in Tasmania.
North Melbourne CEO Jennifer Watt said the decision was made to secure the club’s financial future and will allow them to bring two games back to their “Melbourne heartland supporters”.
“The club began planning for our post-Tasmania future once Tasmania was granted an AFL licence,” she said.
“Having explored a number of options, this three-year agreement stood alone in delivering multiple benefits to the club, our members and supporters.”
From 2026, the club will return two AFL home games to Melbourne fans at Marvel Stadium, increasing the total number of matches there to nine each season.
“North Melbourne will always be our forever home and enhancing our facilities and expanding our footprint within the Arden Precinct will always be at the heart of our long-term strategy,” Watt said.
“From a financial perspective, this opportunity in Western Australia will go a long way to ensuring we can continue to do that alongside fully funded football departments.”
Club president Sonja Hood said their agreement with Spirit of Tasmania had been modified as a result.
“This announcement will signal different things to different North people,” Hood said.
“For our Victorian-based supporters, joy that home games are returning to Marvel from 2026.”
“Tasmanian supporters, disappointment at losing some home games a year earlier than anticipated.”
“And for our Western Australian supporters, an opportunity to engage with our club on a whole new level.”
“Regardless of where you are based, for all North people, this announcement is a significant pillar in our club’s future.”
