AFL CEO’S Tassie licence ultimatum

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan has indicated Tasmania will need to commit to building a new stadium if they are to be successful in their bid for a nineteenth AFL license.

McLachlan met with new Tasmania premier Jeremy Rockliff in Hobart last week as talks for a new team in the Apple Isle heat up.

The 18 AFL presidents will vote on whether to award Tassie a new license in August.

Under previous premier Peter Gutwein, Tasmania announced draft plans to build a $750 million multi-purpose stadium.

The Apple Isle’s State Government has confirmed a $150 million pledge towards the proposal for the team, including $10 million for 10 years.

Speaking to reporters after meeting with Mr Rockliff, McLachlan stated that the proposed stadium was not optional.

“If you look around this country… and you look at the cities where AFL and other sports [are] being played, you need a stadium that can compete in 2022, or 2025, 2026,” he said.

“Whether it’s contingent or however you want to frame it… this team needs and will have a new stadium if it wants a licence. And I think Tasmanians will expect that.”

The outgoing CEO also confirmed relocating an existing team was not on the table.

Discussions surrounding a potential move to Tasmania for North Melbourne had been swirling in recent weeks as the club’s troubles on and off field continued to grow.

– BY SEB MOTTRAM