FANTASTIC

Tassie finals show why state needs its own team

THE historic local AFL finals double header has underlined Tasmania’s case for its own team in the national competition, Premier Peter Gutwein says.

Sydney Swans played Greater Western Sydney and the Western Bulldogs faced Essendon in front of capacity crowds at UTAS Stadium at the weekend.

Mr Gutwein said Tasmania’s case to be the home of a state team was rock solid.

“This weekend has been a blockbuster display of footy in Tasmania with two thrilling finals and thousands of Tasmanians taking part in the action.

“It has proved that we can deliver the big games on the national stage and that it’s now time that we get the chance to be on that national stage in our own right.

“The feedback from across the board has been very positive and shows what Tasmanians can do when given the opportunity to rally together and compete on the national stage.

“For nearly 125 years our best players have underpinned the national game, and I know as do tens of thousands of Tasmanians, that we’ve paid our dues and we’ve long paid the price.

“It’s time for a team of our own, and the momentum only continues to grow.”

The AFL has committed to making a final call on the Tasmanian team bid early in the 2022 season. It follows the AFL-commissioned Carter review which set out the options for a local team.

“Colin Carter has confirmed that we should have a team of our own, and the AFL have confirmed that a historic decision will be made next year on whether Tasmania will have its own team,” Mr Gutwein said.

“We will be setting up a working group consisting of members of our AFL licence Taskforce to work with the AFL on the issues identified including government funding and stadia, to inform the decision to be made by club presidents next year.”