Tasmania was set to host a number of games across the remaining 2020 season, but is now becoming more unlikely under government orders.
The Apple Isle was pencilled in to host a Saturday afternoon match in round 12 between North Melbourne and the Brisbane Lions at Blundstone Arena.
But after reports that the Tasmanian Government will not allow games in the state throughout August, rescheduling of matches may need to be done.
The Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph believes that this may be curtains for games in Tasmania as borders will be closed until September.
“Tasmania premier Peter Gutwein said the state will not house any games in the state for the month of August,” Ralph said on Fox Sports News’ AFL Tonight.
Ralph also outlined the potential financial struggles that the AFL and Tasmanian Government may face in finding an agreement on holding fixtures on the Apple Isle.
“Hawthorn, it’s about $15 million over three years, North Melbourne make at a very minimum $500,000-$600,000. So, they will be worrying about whether they can get that money through with lockdowns, a lot of these states are bleeding financially.
“Not only will they not be able to see football for those fans in Tasmania, but we won’t be able to potentially access the funding that would save some of those Victorian clubs in the long term.”
It’s a time of uncertainty for the AFL as talks of a Tasmanian team have been swirling around the rumour mill for years.
However, the cancelling of games in Tasmania for the 2020 season could just be the nail in the coffin for any hopes of the AFL expanding to Australia’s southern-most state.