Clarkson’s vision for AFL entry

ALASTAIR Clarkson has outlined his vision for Tasmania’s entry into the AFL as Premier Peter Gutwein prepares to meet the former Hawthorn mastermind.

As revealed by the Sunday Tasmanian, Clarkson (inset) is keen to play an active part in landing Tasmania’s entry into the AFL after finishing up his Hawthorn coaching career and turning down the top job at Collingwood and Carlton.

Mr Gutwein said as soon as this year’s season was finished on Saturday, he was ready to move on to the next phase of establishing a Tasmanian team by August 2022 at the latest.

“Following the conclusion of the 2021 AFL season I plan to engage with (AFL chief executive) Mr (Gillon) McLachlan in coming weeks to establish a process to work through the matters raised in the Carter report ahead of a final position being put to club presidents for a decision on a Tasmanian AFL team in 2022,” Mr Gutwein said.

“I will be having a discussion with Mr Clarkson shortly as well regarding his strong interest and support of a Tasmanian licence.”

Clarkson said the AFL must take note of the hard lessons learned in the establishment of Gold Coast and the GWS Giants.

He also dismissed relocation or a quasi-team, such as Hawthorn has been, as an option.