Push to host footy final

THE State Government will lobby the AFL for an AFLW finals game in Tasmania should the North Melbourne-Tasmanian Kangaroos qualify.

After winning last night’s game against the Western Bulldogs, the Roos sit undefeated in first spot with three wins from three games, including a big win over Carlton at North Hobart in front of 5000 fans in the club’s first match.

Last night’s game in Launceston attracted 3123 people.

North Hobart Football Club president Craig Martin started the campaign post match and Premier Will Hodgman said he was right behind any push to bring a final south.

“Certainly, we were thrilled when we put a bid in to the AFL and also enlisted the support of North Melbourne to get the first game here,” Mr Hodgman said yesterday.

“I think it was a great symbol of the sport and women’s football in our country and particularly here in Tasmania.

“We know that from the success of that first game the event can be well run, it seems North Melbourne loves playing here and Tasmanians have embraced it.

“If that happens we would certainly look at lending whatever support may be required to get a home final here.”

North Melbourne chief executive Carl Dilena said although it was an AFL decision, the club would also lobby on the state’s behalf. “We are not looking that far ahead to finals, and once again it is the AFL that does the fixturing around finals, [but] we would certainly be happy to talk to them if we were in that position to try and lobby for it but it is ... a bit outside our control,” Mr Dilena said.

He said the club was delighted with the Roos debut game at North Hobart Oval.

“The support for AFLW at North Hobart Oval was absolutely brilliant,” he said.

“It was a perfect setting, 5000 people … it was just great.

“The atmosphere, the vibe, the media coverage in the leadup was great too. Everyone has got behind the AFLW team, it has got that really strong Tassie connection.”