HOPES ALIVE

Tassie still a chance to host AFL games or hub

TASMANIA’S borders may be locked tight, but the AFL has not given up hope of hosting games in the island state.

Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein has put back the reopening of borders to any state from July 24 to at least July 31 because of the outbreak in Victoria and the threat of the spread of COVID-19 to other mainland states. It is understood the Government had been in discussions with the AFL to have teams fly in and fly out of Tasmania for games as long as they were not domiciled in Victoria, or even the chance of hosting a hub.

However, all this is now again on hold.

But an AFL spokesman told the Mercury yesterday that despite the borders remaining closed, the league still intended to bring games south when it was possible. He said that given the situation was changing week to week, nothing could be ruled out given the unpredictability of the 2020 season.

Mr Gutwein also told the Mercury yesterday: “We are continuing discussions with the AFL regarding future possibilities, however we will not do anything that puts Tasmanians’ health and safety at risk.”

The State Government has a deal with Hawthorn and North Melbourne to play four home games each in Launceston and Hobart respectively, which is worth a combined $8 million to the clubs.

Mr Gutwein confirmed the clubs have received partial payment, but without games in the state, they would not receive their full allotment.

“The government has paid a component of the naming rights sponsorship for 2020, but has not made any match payments for the 2020 season,” Mr Gutwein said.

Before Victoria’s second COVID-19 wave struck, Hawthorn president and former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett slammed Mr Gutwein’s cautionary stance in regard to the reopening of borders.