Outgoing AFL boss Gillon McLachlan mentioned a twentieth staff was “likely” sooner or later as he declared the Devils loomed as the very best identify for the brand new nineteenth staff in Tasmania.
McLachlan was beaming at North Hobart Oval as he confirmed the brand new licence, with expectation the staff would have a facet able to enter state degree soccer by 2025 earlier than being AFL prepared, with a brand new stadium, by 2028.
Amid questions concerning the formation of the checklist and potential implications for the draft, McLachlan addressed the urgent concern of a reputation and advised it could possibly be determined by a preferred vote.
But he mentioned the Devils identify, which was a part of the official proposal, was the very best match and points with the identify being trademarked by Warner Bros could possibly be overcome.
“I think the Tasmanian and broader football community will get involved in that,” he mentioned of the identify.
“If I’m pushed, the Devils seems to make sense to me. I know there is debate around the legalities and copyright issues, they can be worked through.
“I know there will be broad-minded people at Warner Bros, but that will be for other people to decide. I imagine there will be a big push for that type.
“Big companies work through that stuff all the time. The bigger issue will be what the Tasmanian people want and the process that is run.”
While adamant the AFL had “never been more prepared” to construct not only a new staff however a brand new membership, McLachlan additionally hinted that byes, with an uneven competitors, may not final lengthy.
It’s unfavourable for golf equipment and broadcasters to have groups not taking part in and that might imply a twentieth staff is on the horizon sooner slightly than later.
“The history of the AFL is we have had five or six years where we’ve had an uneven number of teams and have gone from 12 to now 19,” McLachlan mentioned.
“There’s been a history of growth, there’s been some contraction but it will play out. What I am certain of is at some point there will be an even amount of teams, which will be for someone else to decide.
“I think the most likely is it will go to 20 teams. At some point it will end up with an even number of teams.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
