AFL report fails to present 'clear cut' option for Tasmanian team

Prospects for an AFL franchise in Tasmania remain uncertain with a report commissioned by the League failing to present a specific path for a team based in the state.

Released today, a summary of a report by former Geelong Cats President and AFL Commissioner, Colin Carter says that while Tasmania should have a representative AFL/AFLW team, the best form of this “is less clear cut.” 

The report from Carter - who in March had been tasked with reviewing the business case for a 19th licence in Tasmania - states “the case can be made for a 19th license, but re-location of an existing team if a club is prepared to take that path, or a joint venture between Tasmanian stakeholders and a Victorian team that secures strong support in two markets from the outset, would arguably produce a more sustainable outcome and therefore should be considered before a 19th license.”

The 24 page 'A licence for a Tasmanian team?', being referred to as 'The Carter Report' summarises a review into the submission of a Tasmanian AFL team.

While it says "Tasmania should be represented by a team" - a case that "rests on historical fairness and that the finances stack up", it presents a circular argument in that a Tasmanian team would rely no more on AFL handouts than most existing clubs, presenting three key suggestions for a way forward:

• Option 1: Tasmania gets a 19th AFL licence and goes it alone (the most desirable option for Tasmanians but the least appealing to the other 18 clubs)

• Option 2: The relocation of an existing team (as happened with the Fitzroy/Brisbane Lions and South Melbourne/Sydney Swans)

• Option 3: A "joint venture between Tasmanian stakeholders and a Victorian team that secures strong support in two markets"

The report goes on to say "clearly the first step is to explore whether the relocation or joint venture options are realistic", adding "it seems fair to argue that the onus of proof is not on Tasmania to justify its inclusion. It is on those who say it should stay excluded."

Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein 'disappointed'
Following publication Tasmanian Premier, Peter Gutwein, said he was “disappointed” with the AFL’s response to a report, which argues relocating an existing team or setting up a joint venture with a Victorian club would be more sustainable than adding a 19th franchise.

Premier Gutwein expressed his frustration that the AFL could not provide a concrete timeline, threatening to suspend existing contracts with Hawthorn and North Melbourne to play games in Tasmania. 

Premier Gutwein commented "(the) immediate response from them I don’t think is good enough.

“I’m very disappointed with the AFL this morning. 

“This is unacceptable, I’ve been clear from the outset we need a timeline.

“We will not finalise those contracts, we will not roll them over with Hawthorn and North Melbourne until we have a starting point from the AFL … in regards to a new Tasmanian AFL team.

“Once again they’ve attempted to kick the can down the road."

Premier Gutwein said the state’s strong AFL history and passion for the sport means it deserves a representative team, adding that relocating an existing team or a joint venture is not an option. 

He went on to say "we don’t want to rent our own team, we want our own team.

“Our preference very clearly is for the license for a standalone Tasmanian team ... so as far as the state’s concerned (a joint venture) is not an option.

“I’m annoyed.

“This is 30 years of frustration … from a community … once again it appears to have been treated with disrespect in my view."

Although Premier Gutwein has pressed the AFL for a decision, the report indicated this was not possible due to the current state of the AFL, where finances are under stress.

In February Premier Gutwein called upon the AFL to provide a solid timeline for when Tasmania would get its own team, threatening to end the state’s financial support for Hawthorn and North Melbourne occasional fixtures in Hobart and Launceston.

Premier Gutwein was reported to have written to AFL Chief Executive Gillan McLachlan with an “ultimatum” to the AFL about a timeline for a standalone Tasmanian team. 

Images: Concepts for a new AFL stadium in Hobart (top) and Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein (below).