Reports that AFL boss Andrew Demetriou has finally seen the light and agreed that Tasmania is the logical place for a new AFL team are very encouraging.
Until know, it seems that everybody except Mr Demetriou has agreed that as one of Australia’s traditional Australia rules playing states Tasmania deserves our own team in the AFL.
Having said that, it is clear that even after Mr Demetriou’s concession, a Tasmanian AFL team is a long-way away – we could apparently be the 19th team, but the 18th team (Western Sydney) is not scheduled to join until 2012, and there is no time-frame for new teams beyond that.
Therefore, it is important that in the short to medium term the Government not derail the relationship with Hawthorn so that Tasmanians can continue to enjoy AFL in Tasmania.
A Hodgman Liberal Government will however work very hard to hold Mr Demetriou and the AFL to his concession made today, and ensure that Tasmania gets the AFL team it deserves.
Peter Gutwein MP Shadow Minister for Sport and Recreation
