Tasmanian football icon Nick Riewoldt has expressed concern that his aspiration for an AFL team in Tasmania may falter before it materialises. The AFL has sanctioned a franchise for the state, with the Devils set to debut in 2028, but their future is contingent on the construction of a new 23,000-seat stadium in Hobart.
As of now, construction has yet to commence at Macquarie Point, with local plans suggesting completion before the 2029 AFL season. The Devils are already strategising to play their home games at alternative venues in 2028 should the stadium not be ready on time. An article in The Age mentioned that club presidents are contemplating a vote regarding Tasmania’s licence if further delays occur in the stadium’s development.
Riewoldt, a 336-game veteran of St Kilda who spent his formative years in Hobart, has been a vocal advocate for securing an AFL team for Tasmania. However, he has begun to question whether this goal will be realised. In an interview on Triple M’s Mick in the Morning, he shared his anxieties about the situation, stating, “I don’t think that’s going to go as smoothly as people think.” He expressed feelings of emotional investment and trepidation regarding the project’s progress.
Riewoldt emphasised the urgency of finalising the stadium approval, remarking, “We should be turning soil right now,” while highlighting concerns that negative sentiment surrounding the project may jeopardise its success. With Tasmanian winter temperatures often plunging to significant lows, he argued that having a roof on the stadium must be a key contractual requirement, noting that the only current AFL stadium with such a feature is Marvel Stadium.
In summary, Riewoldt’s nostalgia for his home state and passion for its football prospects are overshadowed by the uncertainty of the stadium project, which is vital for the success of the Tasmanian AFL team.