Gillon McLachlan has the support of all AFL teams bar two regarding a new team from Tasmania entering the competition, says SEN Tassie’s Brett Geeves.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Saturday morning announced $240 million in funding for a stadium in Macquarie Point, the final sticking point in negotiations for a 19th AFL licence.
A deal that has been mooted for years and heavily discussed for months is now believed to be just days away, an historic day for the state of Tasmania.
An AFL statement released after the press conference says the league will now formally go to the clubs for support of a 19th AFL team to be based in Tasmania.
The statement reads: “...the question on a 19th licence (will) be answered in the coming days.”
"I thank Prime Minister Albanese and the Federal Government for realising the vision for the Mac Point precinct and all the economic activity the urban redevelopment will bring to the state.”
— AFL House (@AFL_House) April 29, 2023
- AFL Chief Executive Gillon McLachlanhttps://t.co/dDI4GTRRHG
While a licence is set to be granted as early as next week given most clubs are on board, Geeves understands AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan is pushing for unanimous support from all 18 teams.
Reports have indicated the league would push for the team to enter the competition as early as 2027, however that date could be pushed back.
“It was released as early 2027… through the conversations I had yesterday, the general feel is maybe not 2027,” Geeves said on SEN Tassie.
“It might be a little later. That’s the next part. The license and it being announced from all reports will be Tuesdayish.
“Gill, I’m told, has the support of all of the clubs bar two at the moment. He’s really keen to get unanimous support of this.
“Because it was put forward by the commission it only needs two thirds support… so it's going to happen, but I think Gill behind the scenes is pushing those two clubs to agree to it.”
The planned 23,000-seat stadium might not be ready until 2029.
Mr Albanese and Tasmania Premier Jeremy Rockliff held a press conference on Saturday morning to announce the funding.
Both suggested that the stadium would now pave the way for a 19th licence to be awarded, with Albanese explaining that he had worked closely with McLachlan on the issue.
“This has all but confirmed the licence. Premier Rockliff’s words were very strong that it was to be our team, our song, so it’s going to happen,” Geeves added.
Listen to Geeves and SEN Tassie co-host Holly Fowler react live to the news