Premier stands ground on AFL

PREMIER Jeremy Rockliff has doubled down on his $150m over 10 years funding package for a Tasmanian AFL team, saying it is “firm and fair” as the state government puts the finishing touches on its submission ahead of the vote in three weeks.

The AFL Commission will get first look at the finished proposal for a 19th licence to start a Tasmanian team before the proposal goes to the 18 club presidents to have their say before the end of the month.

Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett this week demanded the AFL reveal when it would go to the clubs for the vote, saying they need time to present it to their boards before making a call.

In the background, the AFL wants the government to up the ante on its financial backing for the Tasmania team – $10m a season for 10 years on top of $50m for a high performance centre, which is believed to be the best offer proposed for an expansion club in Australian sporting history.

As Believe Tasmania’s campaign hits 86,674 “believers” – if they were memberships it would make Tasmania the fourth-biggest club in the AFL behind Richmond, West Coast and Collingwood – Mr Rockliff told the Mercury he wasn’t budging on the deal.

“The fixed offer that my government has put to the AFL is fair, strong and in line with the business case and the Carter Report,” he said.

“The process to finalise the last details has been ongoing for some time.

“We continue to work with the AFL to understand their level of contribution and support, to ensure the competition is a truly national one and the code’s survival in Tasmania.

“With a final decision closer than ever before, I am confident we will get the job done and make history for Tasmania.”