AAP image/Scott Barbour
AFL identities are continuing the debate on whether a Tasmanian AFL team could attract enough talent to be viable, in the wake of comments from Hawthorn’s skipper that “there’s not much happening there”.
“Particularly as a young guy…that would be quite difficult,” he said.
“I’ve only spent time in Launnie, Hobart’s a bit different, there’s a little bit more happening in Hobart.”
Sicily, part of whose six-figure salary is paid for by Tasmania, has apologised for what he admits were flippant comments on Melbourne radio.
Cricketer Matt Wade has chimed in on social media, offering to give Sicily a tour around his “boring island”.
The discussion erupted amidst news Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will this weekend confirm Canberra will help build a new stadium in Hobart with $240 million.
Former Collingwood President Eddie McGuire has told Footy Classified while he’s always voted in favour of a Tasmanian team, he doubts “many kids are lying awake at night hoping to play on a refurbished Launceston oval.”
“We’d like to grow the game, we love Tasmania and we’d love it to go; you see the Jackjumpers down there playing, that team’s probably worth $30 million now,” said McGuire.
“Tim Lane and Jack Riewoldt and all these guys who have a great love for Tasmania can sell it as much as they like, but they all live in Melbourne.”
