News NMFC & Tassie (the mass debate re our future there, the academy, attending advice)

[Colby Cheer Squad]

From Caro in today's Age.

The AFL has moved to road-test its bold bid to fast-track the on-field success of a Tasmanian team with a select group of club football bosses, in a concerted attempt to win over the clubs and create a competitive 19th side from as soon as 2026.
The AFL plan, which involves giving all 18 clubs access to high draft picks in exchange for experienced players, will be unveiled in the coming days to Richmond’s Blair Hartley, Sydney’s Charlie Gardiner and the Western Bulldogs list manager Sam Power.

The complex list build has been overseen by AFL trio Sam Graham, Brad Scott and Ned Guy, and also involves granting the Tasmanian team priority picks that the team would be forced to trade for players, and long-term access to Tasmanian-born or based players via a state football academy.
Rather than provide long-term salary-cap relief, the AFL is proposing to provide signing-on bonuses in a bid to attract mature talent from other clubs, including potentially players from Tasmania who are at other clubs.

The AFL’s view is that signing bonuses would attract players in the short term but would not provide the long-term cost to the competition caused by long-term salary-cap relief.
As the AFL approaches the August deadline to deliver its Tasmanian strategy to the clubs, league chief Gillon McLachlan has this week accelerated the work of the list-build committee in order to sound out the hand-picked club list bosses.
The unveiling of the list-build and player-retention plan helps Tasmania’s bid for a 19th AFL licence move a step closer to reality.
In a series of developments recently it has emerged that:

• Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliffe has lobbied some club presidents in writing, saying that a 19th team would create additional annual revenue for the AFL estimated at $18 million.
• The AFL will push the Tasmanian government to increase its opening gambit of a 10-year financial commitment to at least 15 years at a cost of an annual estimated $12 million-$13 million, up from the government’s initial bid of an annual $10 million.
• Macquarie Point on Hobart’s waterfront is the league’s preferred venue for the new stadium with a capacity of 25,000. Negotiations have begun with the private and public sector with AFL bosses of the belief that even with a retractable roof, the stadium could be built for significantly less than previous estimates of $750 million.
• The list-build group is looking at a venue in the Hobart precinct that could house the Tasmanian team’s younger players in similar fashion to the Breakfast Point development that housed young Giants players in their early years.
• Although the new team would be given priority high draft picks – many of which it would be forced to trade – McLachlan remains determined to protect the No.1 draft pick for that year’s wooden spooner.
• Fixture planning around a 19-team competition remains unclear with the timing of weekly byes seen to disadvantage certain clubs. All are keen to avoid byes in the early rounds of the season.
• A Tasmanian AFLW team would be introduced either immediately after the men’s debut season or the year before.

Determined to create a side that would be competitive from year one and capable of winning a flag by year five, the working group’s philosophy has been to avoid repeating the Gold Coast-Greater Western Sydney scenario in which both teams were incapable of creating genuine home-and-away contests in their early years.
While the Suns, who are midway through their 12th season, have still not contested finals, the significantly more successful Giants were allowed to stockpile high draft picks in their early years but effectively created a bye for their opponents in the club’s first three years.

Former club boss Geoff Walsh, who quit the list-build committee last week to review North Melbourne’s ailing football operation, initially suggested Tasmania gain access to all but 10 so-called “untouchables” from each of the 18 clubs. That recommendation was rejected because league bosses are unwilling to lock out any player keen to play for Tasmania. Such a rule would have prevented Gary Ablett’s move to the Gold Coast. The list-build group is also looking at granting Tasmania short-term priority access to key 17-year-old talent.
While the creation of a new stadium remains a potential deal-breaker as the AFL finalises its pitch to the club presidents, the competition bosses and the Tasmanian government are increasingly optimistic the venue can be designed, funded and built over the next five years.

It is not known whether the AFL would introduce the team before the stadium was completed or to what extent the federal government would help fund the stadium.
The creation of a Tasmanian team’s playing list is one of 11 streams surrounding the state government’s bid for a 19th licence, which also includes infrastructure, membership and sponsorship along with the creation of a stadium.

While the majority of clubs have indicated they either support the Tasmanian campaign or remain open to the concept, a handful of presidents have been outspoken in their opposition including Gold Coast’s Tony Cochrane and outgoing Hawthorn chairman Jeff Kennett. Sydney’s Andrew Pridham has voiced his preference for a relocated teamand Collingwood’s Jeff Browne remains concerned that the competition’s expansion would come at a heavy cost to the clubs in terms of dollars and playing talent.
Outside of Victoria, Tasmania appears to have significant support from the West Australian and South Australian teams along with GWS and Brisbane. Geelong, Richmond, Carlton, the Western Bulldogs, St Kilda and Essendon all appear either cautiously or more strongly supportive. McLachlan has indicated he does not want to put Tasmania to a vote but rather persuade the clubs that a 19th team based in Tasmania would enhance the competition.

The respected trio of Hartley, Gardiner and Power have been hand-picked to run their collective expertise over the potentially historic Tasmanian strategy given their diverse levels of list-building and football experience.

This story at least gives a ray of hope that the 19th team will get up instead of renewed efforts to force us to relocate. However, when it comes to trusting the AFL over relocation of my club, I've come to expect that things are never as good as you'd hope but also never as bad as they seem.

 

[Limerick]

Mick Malthouse article in today's Herald Sun with the headline "Only a relocated club will work". He has North, St Kilda & Suns In the gun.

 

[Colby Cheer Squad]

Mick Malthouse article in today's Herald Sun with the headline "Only a relocated club will work". He has North, St Kilda & Suns In the gun.

Allowing these old farts to embarrass themselves in the media is elder abuse. Cut Malthouse, Sheedy and Hunt off for their own good.

 

[Rooboys Rool]

Is that the same Malthouse that tipped * for the flag?

 

[Devington]

At least ol' Mick didn't just go down the route of only dumping us in it. Honestly I'm quite amused he named GC as I think most people in the AFL sphere are too cowardly to do it.

 

[Mr Taswegian]

At least ol' Mick didn't just go down the route of only dumping us in it. Honestly I'm quite amused he named GC as I think most people in the AFL sphere are too cowardly to do it.

The AFL has made it clear the Gold Coast will never be relocated to Tasmania and has told Tasmania they are only pushing for a 19th team.

 

[Devington]

The AFL has made it clear the Gold Coast will never be relocated to Tasmania and has told Tasmania they are only pushing for a 19th team.

Don't misunderstand, I wasn't commenting on the feasibility of it ever happening (I think relocation of any team simple isn't viable), just that if the talking heads were honest about it all GC (and Saints) would be mentioned more often in the 'conversation'.

 

[big_e]

Mick Malthouse article in today's Herald Sun with the headline "Only a relocated club will work". He has North, St Kilda & Suns In the gun.

Mick Malthouse's opinion gets less and less relevant with each passing year.

 

[giantroo]

The final siren is about to blow on Tasmania’s push to join the big league, but who’s in front?​

Brett Stubbs
6 min read·13 hours ago
Mercury
https://www.themercury.com.au/sport...-story/983cb02d0fd18286e49a5a1ad3816282#start

IT’S late in the game in Tasmania’s push to join the AFL. But where exactly is it at? How important is the stadium? What are the presidents thinking? How committed is AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan? Sports Editor Brett Stubbs takes a deep dive into the final countdown.

IT’S late in the game in Tasmania’s push to join the AFL. But where exactly is it at? How important is the stadium? What are the presidents thinking? How committed is AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan? Sports Editor Brett Stubbs takes a deep dive into the final countdown.

THE PRESIDENTS​

Gold Coast Suns CEO Tony Cochrane has rallied a number of other CEO’s against Tasmania’s bid. Picture by Richard Gosling
Opposed: Gold Coast, Collingwood, Sydney and Hawthorn.
Supportive: Geelong, Richmond, West Coast, Fremantle, Adelaide, Port Adelaide, North Melbourne.
Unknown: St. Kilda, Carlton, Brisbane, GWS, Melbourne, Essendon, Western Bulldogs.


Technically, Tasmania only needs seven votes to get in if the AFL commission give the nod, but McLachlan wants a majority and would love unanimous support in an ideal world. Each club’s position is far from set in stone (aside from Gold Coast’s chair Tony Cochrane, but there is even belief Tasmania’s harshest critic – and the league’s biggest benefactor of handouts – can be swayed when the right levers are pulled), with all waiting to see the final proposal. Hawk’s president Jeff Kennett is on the way out (however not until after next month’s vote) and the new president, Peter Nankivell is a supporter and said it would be a board decision, not just Jeff’s.

THE OFFER​

Premier Jeremy Rockliff with AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan. Picture: Brett Stubbs

The Tasmanian Government has put an offer of $10 million a season for 10 years towards operational costs plus $50 million for a high performance centre on the table. When in Hobart last month for his first face-to-face meeting with Premier Jeremy Rockliff, McLachlan described this as a “strong start”. The negotiations are ongoing with a thought it might not be a bigger monetary commitment each year, but a longer commitment, something along the lines of $10m a year for 15 years.

THE STADIUM​

In the meeting with Rockliff, McLachlan said a new stadium – first mooted by the Tasmanian Government – was contingent on the state landing a licence. It has become a sticking point, with the state opposition coming out against it but its position is based on if Tasmania had to pick up the entire bill, roughly in the $750m range. However, the AFL is only seeking a commitment on the stadium, not shovels in the ground or even for it to be fully funded before the August vote. The Government has allocated $1.5m in the latest budget for a multipurpose stadium feasibility study to be completed sometime next year. The AFL has also offered its own stadium expertise to not only help secure the cash required but to find an ideal location and how much it would cost to build. Historically, stadiums across the country have been roughly two-thirds federal funding, one third state (with the possibility of some private investment helping out as well). Plus it would be hard for the state Labor opposition to oppose the stadium if the AFL was able to secure funding from the new Federal Labor Government.

LOCATION​

Artists impression of the new AFL/multipurpose Hobart Stadium.

The Government has waxed and waned internally between Macquarie Point and Regatta Point. Macquarie Point had its nose in front but it is understood there would be not enough space for what the Government wants to do there plus a multipurpose stadium, so it appears if the Regatta Point site on partially reclaimed land and right on the waterfront is back as the No.1 venue. It would also activate that entire area on the River Derwent from Macquarie Point right round to Regatta Point with access to ferries, the northern transport corridor and still within walking distance of the Hobart CBD.

BROADCAST DEAL​

A 19TH team can actually be a revenue creator for the AFL and its existing clubs, even if there are less games per round. The AFL is currently deep in broadcast negotiations for the next deal with a number of free to air, pay television and streaming services. It is understood these negotiations contain a number of scenarios with or without a 19th team. One hypothetical scenario that would benefit the league and broadcasters is the flexibility expansion can bring, potentially bringing new players to the table. For example, it might be eight instead of nine games a round, with three teams having a bye, but more rounds during the season. It would allow teams coming off the bye to play a Thursday night, with a game on Friday night, three on Saturday and three on Sunday, ridding the need for overlap of games as is currently the situation. For broadcasters, Channel 7 might own the Thursday night, Friday night and Sunday afternoon slots, allowing the AFL to sell Saturday night to Network 10 (as an example), with Foxtel screening every game on its dedicated FoxFooty station like it does presently. Bringing a second free to air broadcaster to the table instantly pays for a 19th licence, while clubs playing something like four every five weeks would satisfy the AFLPA seeking another break for its members and theoretically reduce the injury toll, allowing the best players to play more often.

THE HIGH PERFORMANCE CENTRE​

For the players and staff, a new, state of the art high performance centre is just as important for retention as a new stadium. The state government has already pledged $50m to establish a training base in Hobart with the three options believed to be Cornelian Bay, Sandy Bay’s UTas sports grounds (pending the university’s relocation to the city) and the Domain near the TCA Ground.

TALENT AND LIST BUILD​

Tasmania Devils U16 win the NAB League National Development Championships Picture: Linda Higginson
The AFL is already working on a way to make the Tasmanian team competitive much faster than the Suns and the Giants, who endured years of pain before gaining enough experience to compete, while current clubs do not want to be shut-out from the top end of the draft for years on end as what happened during the most recent expansions. A Tasmanian team would be given similar draft access, but told they must be traded for experienced players, allowing clubs to re-enter the draft at a higher level, but giving Tasmania experienced talent. Obviously the better the player the existing clubs offer to Tasmania, the higher they can re-enter the draft, meaning a win for both sides. A reduction of list sizes has already been mooted, potentially freeing up a number of players and reducing costs for clubs.

THE CEO​

Gillon McLachlan, Chief Executive Officer of the AFL. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
For the first time, Tasmania feels like the AFL, led by Gillon McLachlan, is leading the charge. The state has put a lot of trust in McLachlan that he will lead Tasmania to the Promised Land, trust it desperately hopes will not be burnt. The outgoing CEO has stated publicly he wants an answer on the “Tasmania question” and privately wants a positive one for the state as his final legacy.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR TASMANIA​

The Taskforce business case, reviewed and approved by former AFL commission and ex-Geelong boss Colin Carter, state’s Tasmania’s investment in an AFL team will return $110m annually of economic stimulus as well as creating 360 jobs via tourism and hospitality. It also has the potential of rekindling the state’s passion for the sport which has waned in recent years, and unifying Tasmania just as the JackJumpers did so impressible in their inaugural NBL season, but on a much larger scale. There’s also the chance to land a brand new multipurpose stadium on Hobart’s waterfront on the edge of the CBD, capable of hosting large scale concerts, conferences and festivals – such as an expanded Dark Mofo – as well as numerous sports.

IF IT’S A NO​

Jump on the JackJumpers, as if Tasmania does not get an AFL licence this time it never will. The code in one of the original four heartland Australian rules states will never be the same again here and will continue to whither under the watch of the AFL – the “custodians of the game.”

CURRENT SCORE​

Will these young fellas be able to keep repping Tasmania? Picture: Linda Higginson

Tasmania was well in front at half time and appeared set to cruise into the league, before the opposition, led by Cochrane and a small group of other presidents, rallied loud and hard. However, just recently the push has regained some momentum. Tasmania has its nose in front with the final siren just about to blow, but it is not across the line yet.
brett.stubbs@news.com.au

 

[giantroo]

“Conflicted” Kennett and “insulting” Cochrane: AFL heavyweight takes down Tasmanian opposition​

“Don’t get me started on Tony Cochrane.” - One of the biggest names in Australian football has flattened Tasmania’s opponents as the deadline for a decision looms large.

Brett Stubbs

@stubboir

2 min read
July 16, 2022 - 8:00AM
https://www.themercury.com.au/news/.../f444fe94ee9d7933b074440c8c93e343#share-tools


HAWTHORN has done nothing but “rape and pillage” Tasmania for money and its president Jeff Kennett is “completely conflicted” on the state’s entry into the AFL says one of the league's biggest names.

Caroline Wilson, one of the most respected figures in football media, has taken aim at those opposed to Tasmania’s quest to secure the 19th licence, particularly Kennett and Gold Coast Suns chairman Tony Cochrane.

The campaign is fast approaching its August deadline.

Speaking on The Believers podcast to be released on Tuesday, Wilson — a Walkley Award winner and veteran newspaper journalist and television and radio broadcaster — said for all the millions the Hawks had secured from Tasmania, it had left the state far worse off.

“Jeff Kennett (is) completely conflicted,” Wilson said.

“They’re going to lose so much money when they lose the Tasmanian Government money at the end of this year.

“(T)hey say that they’ve kept footy alive in Tasmania, that they’ve done so much for the code in Tasmania.

“Well, why are there no players coming out of Tasmania anymore?

“Hawthorn haven’t done a good job in Tasmania.

“They’ve just made a lot of money out of Tasmania.

“Yes, there are a lot of people in Launceston who love the Hawthorn Footy Club and they’ve certainly delivered in terms of performances down there.

“But you couldn’t say that they’ve been good for the code.

“In fact you could say they’ve sort of r*ped and pillaged the code really. It’s just been so disappointing.”

Cochrane has been the most vocal opponent to further expansion, despite his club receiving more AFL financial bailouts than any other to stay alive – a point not lost on Wilson.

“Don’t get me started on Tony Cochrane,” she says.

“A hopelessly underachieving team finally showing something this year, for him to think he even has the right to be speaking about a heritage state, I just find that completely insulting.”

Wilson has been and remains a powerful advocate for the state’s entry, believing costs will be covered by the upcoming more lucrative broadcast deal and dismissing player retention as an issue.

But her strongest motive for joining the push is the benefit she believes it will bring to Tasmania — especially for those doing it tough.

“I truly believe that a football team, I don’t care what anyone says, is going to change the social dynamic of that state,” Wilson says.

“If the AFL could say, ‘we put Tasmania on the map economically and socially as well as in a sporting sense, I just think that would be, I mean – what more amazing achievement could the AFL boast about than that?
“It just would just be a wonderful, wonderful thing that they did.”

 

[ferball]

That stadium is a monstrosity.

 

[Merlin007]

anyway, I'm glad we're on the right side of history

 

[Go_Roos!]

The Tasmanian's still seem to think that Peter Hudson will be able to play for them, say no more!

 

[giantroo]

 

[Woolly Mammoth]

Headphone warning to anyone who wants to listen to the whole Demetriou interview- the sexyland ad at the start is rooted (pun intended)

 

[Mr Lloyd Christmas]

Tony Cochrane is an absolute campaigner.

That is all.

 

[SMaturin]

Seems overkill for a stadium that would realistically take 30k as a full house.

 

[TennisPlayerAndy]

Seems overkill for a stadium that would realistically take 30k as a full house.

Simple way for them to prevent a Tassie side.

Ask for a completely unreasonable stadium to be constructed.

 

[Merlin007]

Simple way for them to prevent a Tassie side.

Ask for a completely unreasonable stadium to be constructed.

I’m at a bit of a loss as to how AFL games can be played at 2 acceptable
Venues atm, but a Tasmanian team needs a new stadium; what’s a full house at GWS? 13,000?

 

[buttox]

I’m at a bit of a loss as to how AFL games can be played at 2 acceptable
Venues atm, but a Tasmanian team needs a new stadium; what’s a full house at GWS? 13,000?

If Tasmania got a team they would actually have supporters though.
Big games I reckon they could fill a 40k arena.

 

[Massive Unit]

If Tasmania got a team they would actually have supporters though.
Big games I reckon they could fill a 40k arena.

Really? We have almost 50,000 members and would struggle to get 40K to a game.

 

[buttox]

Really? We have almost 50,000 members and would struggle to get 40K to a game.

Say 5 years in yep.
While they are shit at first they wont get many go. I still think they will have better crowd figures than GWS.
They will play 11-12 home games every year that peeps can go watch.
VS maybe one from the Melbourne clubs the Tasmanian folk follow now.
It will take a few years like WC did in the WA market but it will work eventually.

 

[Mr Lloyd Christmas]

Really? We have almost 50,000 members and would struggle to get 40K to a game.

Member numbers to games is very different to actual attendance (as we know with North)

I doubt Tas would get 40K or near often (maybe never sure) but say a Tas v Pies or Bombers then yes it would be 30K plus easily if the State is unified, and travellers interstate on top.

People (not saying you mate) underestimate how many passionate Tasmanians that don't actually live in Tasmania are (due to work, lifestyle, climate, whatever) that would 100% back the team , the local population is just one factor in attendance (imho)

Geelong is basically the same size as Hobart, let alone the 250 other thousand Tasmanians an they seem to go pretty well attendance wise comparatively

 

[The Brady Bunch]

I’m at a bit of a loss as to how AFL games can be played at 2 acceptable
Venues atm, but a Tasmanian team needs a new stadium; what’s a full house at GWS? 13,000?

The best part is that somehow and for some undisclosed reason, it's only a 19th license Tasmanian team that requires a brand new stadium with a roof whereas they are prepared to overlook this requirement if a club chose to relocate to Tasmania. How does that work?

 

[Mr Lloyd Christmas]

The best part is that somehow and for some undisclosed reason, it's only a 19th license Tasmanian team that requires a brand new stadium with a roof whereas they are prepared to overlook this requirement if a club chose to relocate to Tasmania. How does that work?

It's ****ed is what it is. Utter hypocritical nonsense.