Tasmania’s dream of having its own AFL team is a step closer after all 18 existing clubs reportedly unanimously supported the bid for a 19th license.
Having received a $240 million government grant for a brand new stadium at the weekend, Tasmania’s next move was to go to the clubs.
A decision was made by the presidents of the AFL’s 18 clubs within just 15 minutes according to reports, paving the way for the Apple Isle to enter the league.
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News of the support from the 18 presidents comes after Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese implored the existing clubs to “get on board”.
“This will make AFL stronger as a code, it will make the competition truly national and if they think about all the players from their clubs who have come from Tasmania – and there wouldn’t be a club in the AFL (without someone from Tasmania),” Albanese told SEN on Saturday.
“This is about always going forward, always becoming bigger in terms of vision. If you’re not going forward, someone will be running past you, so this is an opportunity to move the game forward, and I’d encourage the presidents, I’m very confident that they will support Tasmania having the 19th team.”
The AFL commission will now sign off on the entrance of the 19th team, with outgoing league CEO Gillon McLachlan expected to make an announcement on the Tasmanian team’s entry this week.
According to The Age, Tasmania’s team is expected to make its debut in the AFL in either the 2027 or 2028 season.
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