Richmond CEO Brendon Gale has thrown his support behind a Tasmanian team entering the league, admitting that the bid for a 19th team would be of great benefit to both the competition and the state.
Speaking to The Mercury, Tasmanian born Gale said that Richmond was supportive of both a Tasmanian bid for both the AFL and AFLW, as a decision looms from the AFL on the Apple Isle.
“We are supportive (of a license). I was asked a few weeks ago and I think I was premature but since then our board has fully considered all the materials that were presented, the bid documents and it's a big yes from us,” Gale said.
“The board, which I'm a part of, is fully supportive of Tasmania securing a 19th license for the both the AFL and AFLW.
“I'm aware of the politics and that dollars are limited and while I've got a sense of the cost I'm also aware of the benefits.
The Tasmanian bid reportedly hinges on the proposed $750m Macquarie Point stadium, with the AFL reluctant to give out a new license without a state-of-the-art stadium ready to support a team.
The Tasmanian state government has committed some funding to the project, but won't cover the entire price tag. Gale however, thinks that the investment in the infrastructure is worth it.
“It won't just underpin the financial model of the club and the prospects of success but it will be a huge boost to the Tasmanian economy. It's not just about sport, it's about world class entertainment, culture, business events, conference and exhibition centres so it brings huge economic benefits that benefit the whole of the state and I know that because I've seen it," Gale said.
“I've spoken with people like John Olsen who was the premier of South Australia when they gave Adelaide Oval (redevelopment) the green light, maybe 10 years ago, which was a huge investment back then from the state and it's been transformative. I know people from far north Queensland with the Townsville stadium so yes it's an investment but it's one in the state that I'm confident will provide benefits. Not just for the south of Hobart but the whole of the state. It's a compelling case from where I sit.”
The AFL is likely set to make an offical decision on Tasmania in November, with all 18 clubs now given an opportunity to have their say on the bid.
All but four clubs reportedly approved a Tasmanian team entering the competition, with Gale revealing that a team in the southernmost state will provide the national competition more legitimacy.
“I think the AFL community believes that Tasmania has a legitimate right to be in and for it to be a national competition," Gale said.
"It will transcend the game from having a national footprint to being a national competition so what I'm saying is the AFL community will do what it has to do to facilitate that transition."