Tassie AFL team ‘vision’

BRISBANE coach Chris Fagan believes the AFL hierarchy “has in its minds” a vision of a Tasmanian team in the competition.

Exactly how it looks remains to be seen, but it is a clear indication the league is listening when it comes to solving the problems engulfing the code in the state.

Speaking on ABC Grand- stand before his side played Essendon at the Gabba, Fagan said there was still a lot of work to be done, but conversations with chief executive Gillon McLachlan continued to be positive.

Fagan is a member of the steering committee — chaired by McLachlan — looking into the health of football in Tasmania, with former St Kilda great Nick Riewoldt and Carlton coach Brendon Bolton understood to have put a pathway towards a Tasmanian AFL team on the agenda.

Decisions on the future of the TSL and a more prominent Mariners program could be announced later this month.

“Certainly [it is] something the AFL has in their mind that will be a great thing to do at some point in time,” Fagan said when asked if a Tasmanian team was warranted.

“I think it is just a matter of when is the right opportunity and what does that look like.

“It is a big decision to make and a lot of work needs to be done.”

Fagan said a Tasmanian team would unite the state, dismissing suggestions the northsouth divide would be a stumbling block.

“I have no doubt about that, the one thing that unites people in Tasmania is football, it always has and always will.

“If Tasmania got a team in the AFL everybody would get behind it from all parts of the state.”

Fagan’s comments come after a paltry 7131 fans attended Greater Western Sydney’s 112point drubbing of the Gold Coast at Spotless Stadium.

The Suns and Lions have just four wins between them after 12 rounds, but Fagan is urging for patience despite the ongoing struggles.