One through the middle for strip

NORTH Hobart traders are salivating at the prospect of top-level football returning to the state’s spiritual home of AFL in February.

The Mercury revealed yesterday the Tasmanian Kangaroos will play their first AFLW match at North Hobart Oval on Sunday, February 3.

North Hobart Traders Association president John Kelly said there was no reason why North Hobart couldn’t replicate the feel of a Melbourne game when the Roos take on Carlton in the season opener.

“The ideal would be go to the football, and then they can come to the North Hobart strip, Tasmania’s premier restaurant strip, where we’ve got the bars, the restaurants, live entertainment, and it’s all within walking distance, two blocks away,” he said.

“[Everyone] can make a complete day out of it, not only at the football but tying into the North Hobart strip.”

The North Hobart debut follows calls by the Mercury for the side’s first game to be held at the ground.

Republic Bar assistant manager Felicity Bradney would like to see the game become a big event for the suburb.

“Any time there’s a large football or sporting competit- ion within our local area of North Hobart, it does bring increased business into the area — which I think is a great thing for the North Hobart strip,” Ms Bradney said.

“I certainly would go out and celebrate it, have a couple of drinks before and afterwards, and I think a lot of peo- ple are of the same ilk as me.”

Hobart Lord Mayor Ron Christie said he imagined there would be standing room only.

“It’s going to be a big event in terms of assisting our traders,” Ald Christie said.

“I think it will be an absolute winner and good for Hobart’s economy.”