Discussions surrounding the AFL's expansion plans and relationship with Tasmania surfaced once again this week after journalist Caroline Wilson reported the state's interest in having North Melbourne relocate to the Apple Isle.
With the lowest membership numbers between Victorian clubs, their AFLW side named as the North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos and a history of showcases played across the Bass Strait, the Shinboners are placed as a leading contender should relocating an existing side be the AFL's best opportunity to please the island state.
Kangaroos CEO Ben Amarfio stated last month the club is committed to remaining at Arden Street.
“Our footy club has been in North Melbourne for over 150 years," he told The Age.
"We are invested in staying at Arden Street and looking forward to being an active participant with the Victorian government and the City of Melbourne in the exciting development going on in this precinct."
However, according to Wilson's report, Tasmania remain in contention to lure an already existing club.
Port Adelaide champion Kane Cornes was left frustrated with the concept echoing into the headlines once again, taking aim at Wilson on Footy Classified.
“You wrote about it in The Age again and you weren’t as strong on it as you have been, you did mention the Kangaroos again,” Cornes said.
“Why did you bring up the Kangaroos? They remain adamant they will never relocate. Why do they need to be linked in it?
“Why are we talking the Kangaroos when they’re financially sound at the moment?
“The North fans are upset and they are adamant they are not moving.
“They say no we are not going and they have proven to be financial sound. You’ve got to move on from North.
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“They’re not going to Tassie.”
Wilson defended the state's push, but admitted her preference would be to see Tasmania build their own side.
“They’ve got one of the smallest memberships in the AFL, they’re out of debt because they had a really good CEO who they got rid of,” she said.
“Kane when we talk about a relocated team and we are talking North Melbourne – who else am I going to talk about?
“I think Tasmania should have their own team. I don’t think they should get a relocated club.
“You don’t think North comes into equations when you talk about a relocation club?”
North Melbourne will host four games at Blundstone Arena this season in what is the final year of the AFL's current agreement with Tasmania.