The proposal for a new Australian Football League (AFL) team, the Tassie Devils, to represent Tasmania is facing significant hurdles that have left the local community divided. Although the objective of welcoming a new team to the league should be a cause for celebration, various issues—including politics, financial concerns, and bureaucratic red tape—are giving rise to uncertainty about its feasibility.
At the centre of the discord is a proposed $945 million stadium at Macquarie Point, which is deemed essential for the Tassie Devils’ participation in the AFL. The construction of this non-retractable roof stadium has become a contentious topic, threatening to destabilise the political landscape, particularly for Premier Jeremy Rockliff, whose administration is under scrutiny. The Labor opposition has introduced a no-confidence motion, despite their support for both the team and the stadium, while some coalition members express reservations regarding the deal.
Election announcements signal yet another round of political scrutiny, as voters head to the polls on July 19—the fourth electoral cycle in seven years. Simultaneously, the AFL is hosting high-profile events that celebrate the league while the future of Tasmanian football hangs in the balance. Prominent figures in the sport have voiced their opinions, highlighting the disparity between AFL’s grand celebrations and the local turmoil surrounding Tasmania’s future in the league.
Mick Malthouse, a respected former coach, believes the financial demands tied to the stadium are excessive and not a fair determinant for the formation of the new team. He suggests that financial concerns should not solely dictate Tasmania’s ability to enter the AFL. Meanwhile, Rodney Eade, a Tasmanian who has enjoyed success in the AFL, fears that without the stadium, the state’s football could regress to a community-level sport.
Amidst the political turbulence, the AFL remains optimistic about the stadium’s development, confident that it will ultimately materialise and pave the way for the Tassie Devils’ introduction into the league. As the situation unfolds, the community continually grapples with the implications of this ambitious project and its potential to reshape Tasmanian football forever.