Tasmania will finally get a team to call their own with the AFL officially handing the state a licence to become the competition’s 19th club.
The stamp of approval was delivered after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Saturday that the Federal Government would put $240 million into a new stadium in Hobart.
With all 18 club Presidents giving Tasmania the tick of approval at a meeting on Tuesday, AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan finally announced that Tasmania would get their team at a press conference at North Hobart Oval on Wednesday.
Here’s what you need to know about the Tassie team.
When will the club enter the AFL?: The AFL are planning for Tasmania’s first official to be be in 2028.
Where will the club play home games?: The AFL committed to the licence once conditions were agreed upon including the construction of a 23,000-seat roofed stadium in Macquarie Point. Premier Jeremy Rockliff says home games will also be played in the North, South and North West of the state.
What will the club’s colours be?: The club’s colours will be decided through a community campaign later in the year.
What will the club’s nickname be?: The nickname will also be decided through the community campaign, but former Tasmania Premier Peter Gutwein hinted there will be discussions with entertainment studio Warner Bros to allow the 19th licence to be nicknamed the Devils.
Will the club have an AFLW team?: Yes, Tasmania will have an AFLW team, a proposed timeline will be worked through shortly according to the AFL.
Will Tasmania have a VFL team?: Premier Rockliff says Tasmania will have VFL and VFLW teams that will enter those respective competitions before 2028.
The AFL and Tasmanian Government will now work to establish a club nominations committee to select a club chair and board of directors.
Details of the club’s training and administration base will also be decided in the coming months.