Gym boss kicks in $1m for a Tasmanian women’s footy team

TASMANIA’S quest for a team in the AFL Women’s competition has taken a major step forward with the head of one of Australia’s largest gym franchises pledging $1 million over five years towards a stand-alone team.

Zap Fitness chief executive Bob Cheek, a former Clarence and Tasmanian footballer, said he would only commit the funding for a stand-alone team.

AFL Tasmania chief executive Rob Auld said last week the state could have a team playing in the AFLW when the league expands in the next two years.

Expansion of the AFLW is to be discussed at an AFL Commission meeting on Friday and Mr Cheek said he wanted to lobby for a stand-alone state team.

“As an ex-state player and proud seventh-generation Tasmanian, I was excited to hear the news that Tassie was going to get a women’s team in the AFL,” Mr Cheek said.

Senator Nick McKim said last year a Tasmanian women’s team would cost about $500,000 to $1 million a year, compared to Hawthorn and North Melbourne.

Because Mr Cheek’s pledge would equate to $200,000 a year, the gym boss said he would issue a call to other sponsors.

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News Ltd