After a careful selection process, Tasmania’s new AFL club has announced its inaugural board of directors.
The nine-person board is made up of leaders in various fields including finance, leadership, community engagement and football.
Chairman Grant O’Brien says the board, which was agreed upon by the AFL and Tasmanian government, aims to establish a successful and sustainable football club.
“The journey to fully establish our Tasmanian AFL Club is now well underway, cheered on by the large number of Believers who have waited for this opportunity for too long,” O’Brien said.
Kath McCann, James Henderson, Alastair Lynch, Alicia Leis, Roger Curtis, Laura McBain, Graeme Gardner and Kathy Schaefer will join O’Brien on the board, focusing on business planning, executive appointments, fan engagement and infrastructure development.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff sees the establishment of the board as a significant milestone towards Tasmania having its own team.
“I thank the Nominations Committee for their work and look forward to working with the Establishment Board as we draw closer to making history and seeing our own Tasmanian team run onto the field in their own colours, singing their own song, for the first time in the years ahead,” Rockliff said.
Jack Riewoldt, recently retired Richmond forward, has been appointed to lead a consultation project called “The Fabric” to develop the DNA and culture of the club.
The establishment of a Women’s Football Advisory Panel, led by Julie Kay, has also been announced to support the growth of female football in Tasmania.
