Project team appointed to build case for Tasmanian AFL

A team of business and football leaders has been appointed to build the case for Tasmanian AFL and AFLW sides.The Project Team will be Chaired by founding Virgin Australia Chief Executive and tourism industry entrepreneur Brett Godfrey. 

$150,000 is provided in the State Budget to support the Project Team to complete its work.

Godfrey will be joined on the Project Team by former Woolworths Chief Executive Grant O’Brien, Football Tasmania Board Member and Lauderdale FC President Julie Kay, prominent Tasmanian business identity Errol Stewart, former GWS Giants Chief Financial Officer and current TasRacing Chief Executive, Paul Eriksson, and Executive Chairman of Dynamic Sports and Entertainment Group, James Henderson.

Collectively, the Project Team represents decades of experience at the highest levels of Australian business, together with extensive experience in football. It is a team that is well equipped to demonstrate to the AFL commission that the inclusion of a Tasmanian team would not only stack up financially, but would also strengthen the AFL by making it a truly national competition.

The Project Team will consult with the Tasmanian football community, the Football Tasmania Board, the AFL, and Government, to develop a business case by the end of 2019 which will include consideration of:
•    Governance and organisational structure of the teams;
•    Club support and membership;
•    Financial requirements, including estimates of revenue and expenses;
•    Corporate and government support;
•    Infrastructure, facility and capital investment requirements; and
•    Football community pathways.

They will also provide advice on the most appropriate organisational structure to progress the bid process, which could include the establishment of an entity to take ownership of a future licence.

The project team plans to hold their first meeting later this week.