AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan hopes a new waterfront stadium in Hobart can play a role in a future Tasmanian outfit becoming a "destination club" in the national competition.
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged an additional $240 million to the state government for the project at Macquarie Point, where a $715 million multi-purpose stadium will be built.
It paves the way for a 19th club licence to be granted to Tasmania, with McLachlan forecasting a decision in the coming days.
Hawthorn captain James Sicily this week cast doubts over whether players would want to join a Hobart-based club, claiming "there's not much happening down there".
Sicily, whose club counts Tasmania's state government among its major sponsors, later backtracked as players and coaches around the competition leapt to the state's defence.
Geelong premiership coach Chris Scott said building a successful environment would be key to attracting players.
McLachlan, who welcomed Saturday's pre-budget funding announcement by the federal government, believes state-of-the-art facilities will go a long way towards making Tasmania an enticing proposition.
"For a club to compete and succeed on the national stage, it needs a home that enables and empowers it to compete from the start, on and off the field, and today's announcement gives a potential Tasmanian club that opportunity," McLachlan said.
"It is why so much work has been done between the AFL and the Tasmanian state government to ensure not just a team for Tasmania but a destination club, playing in a destination stadium, in a destination state.
"The stadium at Mac Point is the final workstream, with the question on a 19th licence to be answered in the coming days."
It is believed Tasmania has support from most existing AFL club presidents, who are set to meet next week to form a position on the expansion move.
Collingwood's Jeff Browne and Sydney's Andrew Pridham have previously gone public with some concerns.
Hawthorn coach and former champion midfielder Sam Mitchell, who has played and coached in 47 AFL games in Launceston, said his club would have a fight on its hands to retain Tasmanian fans against the threat of a local side.
"It's fantastic ... they love their footy in Tassie," Mitchell said.
"There's a lot of Hawks fans there so we're going to have to work very hard to keep them all on the brown and gold bandwagon."
Devonport product and former Richmond champion Matthew Richardson described Saturday's funding announcement as a "great day for Tasmania".
Former Brisbane and Carlton player Mitch Robinson, originally from Hobart, said the new stadium and team would inspire Tasmanian children.
"You don't understand what this means to every Tasmanian kid aspiring to play AFL or any sport for that matter," Robinson posted on social media.
"So incredibly proud, a genuine platform and new pathway for the next generation! I can't wait to get involved."
Cricket Australia and Cricket Tasmania are eager to be part of ongoing Macquarie Point stadium discussions, aware a new venue could have a significant impact on cricket content and infrastructure in the state.
"There is still a lot of detail to work through in all of these areas, and it is expected that both Cricket Tasmania and Cricket Australia would be key stakeholders in the process for designing and delivering a new stadium," the cricket bodies said in a joint statement.
"Importantly, we want to ensure the development of the best possible facility to host all forms of cricket."
Australian Associated Press
