Top Dog backs state AFL side

WESTERN Bulldogs president Peter Gordon reckons a Tasmanian AFL team would add “considerably” to the “philosophy, culture and the spirit of the AFL”. Speaking at the Legislative Council select committee inquiry into AFL in Tasmania, Mr Gordon became the first AFL president to speak publicly since the release of the taskforce business case into a Tasmanian team.

But he would not limit the expansion to just Tasmania, as he believes the Northern Territory should also join the league in the medium to long-term to make the AFL a truly national competition.

BRAND Tasmania would add “tremendous additional value” to the AFL, Western Bulldogs president Peter Gordon believes.

Speaking at the Legislative Council select committee inquiry into AFL in Tasmania, Mr Gordon was glowing in his support for a team.

He is the first AFL president to speak publicly since the release of the Taskforce business case into a Tasmanian team. To be granted a licence, a Tasmanian team would need not only the support of the AFL commission but the vote of a vast number of club presidents.

Mr Gordon said the business case stacked up economically, and would not be a drag on the state nor on the other 18 clubs.

“I also agree it could be AFL cost neutral, and I also believe that the Tasmanian brand, —and again I’m quoting from the report — will and does add tremendous additional value both to existing AFL sponsors but also to the AFL itself, which is really Australia’s only indigenous sport and sporting code,” he said.

“I think having Tasmania in it would add considerably to the philosophy, culture and the spirit of the AFL.”

He also said he believed the Northern Territory should join the league in the medium to long-term to make the AFL a truly national competition.

Mr Gordon said Tasmania should be represented at AFL Commission and AFL club president meeting as the state did not have a voice when its future was discussed.

“None of them approach from a uniquely Tasmanian perspective with respect to the state of Tasmania,” he said.

Former AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou also gave testimony at the committee.

He too endorsed the business case, but said the estimated $300-$350 million for a new roofed stadium in Hobart should have been closer to $500-$550 million. He also questioned how the addition of a 19th team would increase broadcast rights.

“Having an odd number of teams does not lead to additional broadcast rights,” Mr Demetriou said. “A bye is not great for the competition.”

The state opposition has announced it would not renew the contract with North Melbourne to play four home games a season in Hobart should the AFL not give Tasmania

a provisional licence or commencement date.

But Mr Demetriou was opposed to this move.

“It would be disappointing if one of the political parties decided not to continue the investment because they are contributing significantly to the economy,” he said.

“Not having AFL football games up until the time an AFL team may or may not enter the competition would be a backwards step in the journey.”