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.<\/p>\n
McLachlan met with new Tasmania premier Jeremy Rockliff in Hobart last week as talks for a new team in the Apple Isle heat up.<\/p>\n
The 18 AFL presidents will vote on whether to award Tassie a new license in August.<\/p>\n
Under previous premier Peter Gutwein, Tasmania announced draft plans to build a $750 million multi-purpose stadium.<\/p>\n
The Apple Isle\u2019s State Government has confirmed a $150 million pledge towards the proposal for the team, including $10 million for 10 years.<\/p>\n
Speaking to reporters after meeting with Mr Rockliff, McLachlan stated that the proposed stadium was not optional.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you look around this country\u2026 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhether it\u2019s contingent or however you want to frame it\u2026 this team needs and will have a new stadium if it wants a licence. And I think Tasmanians will expect that.\u201d<\/p>\n
The outgoing CEO also confirmed relocating an existing team was not on the table.<\/p>\n
Discussions surrounding a potential move to Tasmania for North Melbourne had been swirling in recent weeks as the club\u2019s troubles on and off field continued to grow.<\/p>\n
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