TASSIE CAN GIVE TEAM A CENTURY, SAYS AFL
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan says a Victorian club could set itself up “for the next 50 or 100 years” by putting its hand up to be part of a Tasmanian solution.
The Carter Report, which was presented to the AFL Commission last Thursday, states that the relocation of an existing team or a 10-year-plus joint venture with a Victorian-based club would “produce a more sustainable outcome” than Tasmania being awarded a 19th AFL licence.
The AFL has vowed to continue to explore all options and has not put a timeline on when it would make a decision around which path it pursues.
McLachlan said any Victorian club would have to “freely” move to or create a strong partnership with Tasmania, a decision that would be solely in the hands of clubs.
“There’s a clear decision from the commission that any decision to relocate or joint venture rests with the directors and members or individual clubs,” McLachlan said.
“It also accepts the finding that a combined Victoria-Tasmania support base would position the new club in the middle wealth ranks of AFL clubs – a formidable competitor on and off the field.
“Clearly there is an opportunity in all of this for clubs to see a path forward for the next 50 or 100 years.”
Asked what the likelihood was of a Melbourne-based club voluntarily coming forward to relocate or set up a joint venture with Tasmania, McLachlan said such a move was “a real possibility” and “many Victorian clubs” recognise the opportunity and possibility of Tasmania.
Hawthorn and North Melbourne each play four home games a year in Tasmania, but McLachlan said those arrangements were seen as “two Melbourne teams playing games in Tasmania” rather than the goal of having “a team that represents Tasmania”.
The report proposes that a new joint venture with a Victorian club could see a side operate under a “one club, two cities” model and play most of its “home” games in Tasmania wearing a Tasmanian jumper.
Most “away” games for the club could be played in Victoria where the club would be based and the board would be split 50-50 between its Victorian and Tasmanian operations.
After 10 years, a panel would look at its support base and decide its future permanent residency.
The report’s findings are to be discussed with AFL club presidents next month, but the financial strain on the industry as a result of Covid-19 means a final decision would need time.
“The commission acknowledges the Carter Review finding that AFL clubs should not be asked for a final decision at a time when AFL industry finances remain under serious stress from the Covid pandemic,” McLachlan said. “When we have a level of certainty that we think is bankable, we’ll come back to making the decisions we have to make.”