As the AFL strives to construct a billion-dollar stadium in Tasmania, Essendon legend James Hird has expressed his doubts regarding the league’s decision to schedule a Friday night match in mid-winter in Launceston. The Round 14 game featuring Hawthorn and Adelaide proved to be unappealing, with both teams failing to score more than 50 points in the frigid, slippery conditions.
The match’s outcome has sparked predictable debates, particularly as it coincides with plans for the new stadium. Footy icon Leigh Matthews described the match as a “deplorable spectacle,” highlighting the heavy dew that worsened the conditions and underscoring the necessity of a roofed venue for winter night games in Tasmania.
Hird believes the AFL intentionally arranged this marquee game to strengthen its argument for a dedicated indoor stadium for the proposed Devils expansion side. The Macquarie Point stadium has become a contentious issue in Tasmanian politics, with a snap election approaching and uncertainty surrounding the stadium’s future. If the stadium project does not proceed, it would effectively extinguish plans for the Devils.
When questioned by Brownlow Medallist Jimmy Bartel about the AFL’s motives for scheduling the match, Hird alleged: “Absolutely, the AFL did that for a purpose.” He stated his conviction that the scheduling was intended to demonstrate the need for a roofed facility.
Even the Prime Minister has weighed in, urging Tasmania to expedite the stadium’s construction. However, Hird disagrees with the notion that the Devils require a roofed venue, sharing his own aversion to playing under a closed roof at Marvel Stadium. He argued that he preferred open-air matches, noting that the elements contribute to the game’s strategy and atmosphere.
Hird mentioned that he enjoyed the challenges posed by playing in varying weather conditions, emphasising, “I think it helped the players and coaches be a bit more strategic.”
The fate of the Macquarie Point stadium is expected to remain unresolved until after the state election in July, despite the opposition Labor government fully supporting its construction. The AFL envisages the stadium ready for action by the 2029 season, coinciding with the Devils’ entry in 2028. Yet, growing delays may prompt a reconsideration of this timeline.
Currently, three more games are set to take place in Tasmania this season, with the latest match commencing at 4:15 PM local time. As the AFL navigates these uncertainties, the on-field performance and off-field politics will continue to intersect, shaping the future of Tasmanian football.