The AFL has formally granted Tasmania a licence to turn into the league’s nineteenth crew in a landmark announcement.
Outgoing AFL boss Gillon McLachlan arrived within the Apple Isle on Wednesday to verify Tasmania had been granted the nineteenth licence.
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The ultimate hurdles for the announcement had been cleared when the federal authorities confirmed it might contribute $240 million to a brand new stadium at Macquarie Point in Hobart and all 18 golf equipment supported the bid earlier than the AFL fee agreed to a proper ratification.
Evoking basketball legend Michael Jordan, McLachlan saved it quick and candy in a press launch on Tuesday that learn: “See you in Tassie tomorrow”.
“There are big days and then there are really big days,” McLachlan mentioned at Wednesday’s official press convention.
“I’m proud and excited to announce the awarding of the 19th licence to play in the AFL and AFLW competitions to Tasmania,” he mentioned to a smattering of applause.
“For our national game and the state of Tasmania, this feels really big. Historic. It’s a big day for football, it’s a big day for Tasmanians and I believe it’s a big day for all football supporters.
“It’s a decision that will make our national competitions truly national.
“Today is about acknowledging Tasmania belongs in our AFL and AFLW competitions, belongs in our national conversations and belongs in the national fixture.
“This morning we signed binding agreements with the Tasmanian government that committed to delivering on those conditions including partnering with the federal government for the construction of a 23,000-seat roofed stadium at Macquarie Point.”
There was an ungainly second within the press convention when Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff mispronounced each the identify of McLachlan and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as he made his remarks.
“This has been hardfought for,” Premier Rockliff mentioned.
“Can I think the AFL, Gillion, the 18 presidents who have finally realised the full potential of an Australian Football League and AFLW.
“If ever there was a sign of state and federal governments working together, this is it.
“It was a very proud moment for me to be with prime minister Albanese just a few days securing the deal for Tasmania.”
The announcement was properly acquired by AFL followers however Premier Rockliff’s slip of the tongue didn’t go unnoticed.
There are nonetheless some questions marks over a Tasmanian crew’s entry into the AFL.
McLachlan mentioned he anticipated a males’s Tasmanian crew to affix the league in 2028 after three seasons within the second-tier VFL from 2025.
The crew’s nickname can be but to be determined, with doubt over whether or not the consensus decide of the “Tasmanian Devils” can be utilized.
It’s been revealed the identify is already trademarked by Warner Bros, the Hollywood studio behind The Looney Tunes cartoons.
Richmond nice Matthew Richardson, who grew up in Tasmania, says any combat over naming the nineteenth crew the “Devils” might be prevented by going with the “Islanders” as their identify.
Originally printed as AFL formally unveils Tasmania as nineteenth crew in ‘historic’ announcement
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
