AFL push in for the long haul

AFL Taskforce member Nick Riewoldt has urged his fellow Tasmanians to maintain the rage as the state’s push for entry into the big league will not happen overnight.

The push has gained serious traction and momentum in Tasmania and interstate but Riewoldt, pictured above, warns it will take time to get that 19th licence.

“Probably the most encouraging thing is the unity that we’re experiencing from the Tasmanian people,” Riewoldt said before being the guest speaker at the 39th Bill Sorell Luncheon.

“To think the momentum is just going to keep building and building and building and building and we’re going to ride this wave of excitement and momentum the whole time, I mean, that’s probably a little bit naive. There’s going to be a slow burn, there’s just so much to talk about, we don’t have a provisional licence, that’s certainly the aim but that’s the first step to try and achieve that.”

Riewoldt, a former St Kilda captain, is working with new Hawthorn coaching director Brendon Bolton on the formation and culture of the actual football club.

He said time was of the essence in terms of preparation and planning, even without a start date locked in.

“It’s just that high level thinking,” he said.

Lunch organisers raised $32,000 from the event, with $15,000 going to Huon Valley PCYC to assist after last summer’s devastating fires, and $15,000 to Speak Up! Stay ChatTY, with a $2000 contribution to Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision.