Tasmania Devils executive Kath McCann has broken down in tears during a press conference this morning while addressing the club’s uncertain future amid political turmoil in the state.
The emotional moment occurred at an event supporting the Tasmania Academy of Leadership and Sport, where McCann stepped away briefly to compose herself before continuing.
“This club is powered by our future generations, by our kids and by our grandkids,” McCann said.
“They power us every single day and they will keep doing that.”
The club released a statement this morning highlighting significant uncertainty following political developments that could threaten the team’s planned 2028 launch.
McCann described the situation as “an unprecedented level of uncertainty” for the club, which hinges on a contract between the AFL and the Tasmanian government that includes a 23,000-seat roofed stadium at Macquarie Point.
With the premier facing a no-confidence motion and potential elections looming, McCann expressed concern about the implications for the football club’s future.
“The level of uncertainty would be significantly heightened,” she said regarding a potential change in government.
“At an absolute minimum, this is going to cause either a significant delay or a new deal having to be struck.”
McCann firmly rejected suggestions of alternative stadium options, stating “this is plan A and there is no plan B”.
“There’s a reason this deal exists and the conditions that are sitting in this deal were conditions and requirements that the Tasmanian taskforce actually put to the AFL and and that was done for a reason.”
She also highlighted the national and international ramifications of the political instability.
“The optics of this nationally and internationally is really negative for Tasmania. What this looks like is uncertainty, what it looks like is a risk to invest, what it looks like is a state that are not unified,” McCann said.
Despite the challenges, McCann affirmed the club’s determination to move forward.
“We’re going to play on,” she said. “We want to see this team become a reality because our young people deserve it.”
Two political strategists this morning declared the Macquarie Point stadium is ‘dead in the water’ as Premier Jeremy Rockliff stares down a no-confidence vote that could bring down his government today.
On a snap episode of their ‘FontCast’ podcast this morning, Font PR partners Brad Stansfield and Becher Townshend painted a grim picture of the Premier’s political survival.
Opposition Leader Dean Winter tabled the no-confidence motion yesterday following his budget reply speech. He already has backing from independents Kristie Johnston, Andrew Jenner and Craig Garland.
The Greens met this morning to confirm they will support the motion too.
