AFL eyes Tassie for first game

THE AFL has revealed Hobart is being considered as the host for the first Tassie Kangaroos game in the AFLW.

Premier Will Hodgman yesterday joined the chorus of people wanting the Kangaroos’ first AFLW battle to be on Tasmanian soil — he doesn’t care where, just as long as it is in the state.

But an AFL spokesman confirmed the league was considering Hobart hosting the first match, with the fixtures due to be released in October.

THE AFL has revealed Hobart is being considered as the host for the Tassie Kangaroos and the state’s first game in the AFLW next summer.

The push is on for North Hobart Oval to be the venue for the milestone moment.

Premier Will Hodgman yesterday joined the chorus of people wanting the Kangaroos’ first AFLW battle to be on Tasmanian soil — he doesn’t care where, just so long as it is in Tasmania.

“Playing the first game here would be a sensational start for the Tassie Kangaroos and women’s football in Tasmania,” Mr Hodgman said.

“We have a very strong relationship with North Melbourne, and will work closely with them to ensure we get the best outcome for our state, and the team.

“To have a team in the national competition with the name Tasmania in it, and more importantly with Tasmanian women playing in it, will be a significant milestone.

“It will also be an important step in the move to get our own team in both men’s and women’s AFL competitions.”

The AFL said neither the State Government nor North Melbourne had made a request that Tasmania be the first venue for the Kangaroos’ AFLW debut — but the league is already considering Hobart hosting the first match.

“The AFLW fixture is due to be released some time mid to late October,” a spokesman said.

“No dates have been set yet ... they are still debating format of the competition, start date and finish date.

“I don’t think we are anywhere near deciding individual matches as we haven’t even received requests back from clubs on their wishes.

“The club and government may well be asking for that as a request and that is entirely their right, as clubs get a number of requests they can put to us for each fixture construction. We try to support each club’s major request as much as we can. The locking in of games will happen through late September, early October.”