Tasmanian Premier says JackJumpers’ success provides a strong message to AFL decision-makers

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has declared that the success of first-year NBL franchise the JackJumpers will send a powerful message of the potential of the state's proposed AFL franchise plans.

With the NBL runners-up's second season memberships having sold out in just 26 minutes this week, Premier Rockliff cited the support as being "living proof of the passion and dedication of sports-mad Tasmanians".

Citing the Tasmanian Government's pride in having "played a significant role in delivering an NBL side", Premier Rockliff noted "the JackJumpers’ success on the court and their engagement with communities across Tasmania has created a massive buzz across the state.

"In 2022 already, participation in the sport is up by 7.4% with more and more young Tasmanians getting active on the court as a result.

"It has also shown that if we have our own team, on the big stage, Tasmanians will turn up, with packed stadiums a regular occurrence.

"Tasmania has a very long list of home-grown talent that demonstrates, if given the opportunity, we would have no issues filling our own AFL team with capable, skilled young players, and like the JackJumpers, the team would be a destination for interstate players ready for their next challenge.

"We hope the decision-makers charged with considering Tasmania’s bid for its own AFL team have taken note of the JackJumpers’ success.

"There is no doubt the same buzz will be created when history is made and Tasmania gets to joins the Australian Football League.”

Tasmania's second national sporting franchise outside the Big Bash League’s Hobart Hurricanes, the JackJumpers have attracted key sponsors and highly engaged supporters.

Jackjumpers Chief Executive, Simon Brookhouse commented “our Ant Army have shown that they’re the most passionate fans in the league and we cannot wait to get back playing in front of them in October (when the NBL season commences).”

In June, AFL Chief Executive Gillon McLachlan said that new stadium was a key condition to Tasmania’s bid for a 19th competition team.

Premier Rockliff went on to thank "those AFL clubs who have already publicly stated their support for our heritage football State to take its rightful place in the national league and look forward to hearing more in coming weeks."

Image: The Jackjumpers in action during the last NBL season.