Tas AFL club rejects premier's pitch to delay launch

Tasmania’s AFL club will hold its launch as scheduled despite the state’s premier wanting the event delayed to avoid “politicisation” during an election campaign.

The club in September said it would reveal its name, colours, logo and foundation jumper in March.

On February 8, the club locked in March 18 as the date.

Six days later, Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff called a state election for March 23.

Tasmania Football Club chair Grant O’Brien says the club will proceed with the launch as planned. (Loic Le Guilly/AAP PHOTOS)

Mr Rockliff wrote to the club’s board raising concerns it would be “near impossible” to avoid politicisation of the team launch so close to the election.

“The launch of our Tasmanian team should be a moment of great unity and pride and not used as a political football,” he said in the letter, dated February 27.

“I remain of the view that the best thing for the Tasmanian team is to delay the launch by one week.”

Tasmania Football Club chair Grant O’Brien said the club would proceed with the launch as planned.

“The decision to launch our club was made in September last year,” he said in a statement.

“Our communities, in particular our supporters, volunteers, players and fans around Tasmania, are very excited.

“We will be going ahead … and encourage people to register, come along and help us celebrate.

“We will not be commenting on issues during the election campaign – these are matters for the people of Tasmania.”

The AFL licence is contingent on the construction of a stadium at Macquarie Point in Hobart. (Loic Le Guilly/AAP PHOTOS)

Mr Rockliff said he would not attend the launch if held during the campaign and would watch it online, encouraging other Liberal MPs and candidates to do the same.

The launch will occur simultaneously in Hobart, Queenstown, St Helens, Devonport, Launceston and Oatlands.

The club, which was granted the league’s 19th licence in May 2023, has said the events would be free but capped through a ticketing process.

The AFL licence is contingent on the construction of a stadium at Macquarie Point in Hobart, estimated to cost $715 million, which has proven divisive.

The Liberals have pledged to cap their contribution at $375 million, while the Labor opposition has promised to try and re-negotiate the stadium deal if elected.

Under a deal struck with two Liberals who quit the party, the stadium plans must be approved by both houses of parliament.