- Tasmanian Devils set to enter AFL in 2028
- Early problems with their ground in Hobart
- Pending government vote could seal their fate
The Tasmanian Devils are supposed to enter the AFL competition in 2028 – but they could fold if a looming vote on the Macquarie Point Stadium in Hobart falls over.
Brendon Gale, the boss of the Devils, conceded the situation has him on edge, with a vote expected from the Tasmanian government by July.
Adding to the drama is a submission signed off by Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg on the stadium which emerged this week, with the cricket boss labelling the roof design ‘unacceptable’ for fixtures over summer.
Put simply, if the legislation fails, the Tasmanian Devils will be extinct.
‘The AFL has its own politics and its own constituents. And as we’ve all come to appreciate over the years, clubs have little power,’ Gale told News Corp.
‘The (AFL) commission has the power to run the game in the best interests of everyone. We absolutely believe that’s the right thing.
The Tasmanian Devils are due to enter the AFL competition in 2028 – but they could fold if a vote on the stadium in Hobart falls over (pictured, fans with the new jersey at the MCG)
Brendon Gale, the boss of the Devils, conceded the situation has him on edge (pictured, club mascot Rum’un the Devil)
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg believes the shadows cast by the stadium’s roof will make it unsuitable for Tests, ODI fixtures and T20 matches. Both codes are set to share the facility in Hobart
An artist’s impression of the proposed Macquarie Point stadium in Hobart (pictured)
‘But presidents and clubs have power, and that is, to some extent, the right to sign off on new teams.
‘If one of those conditions (the stadium) aren’t met, if the AFL can’t prove that the club can meet its financial needs, I reckon the (club) presidents would be hanging on to that power….and then we could be at risk.’
Starting a professional club doesn’t come cheap, as Gale has quickly discovered.
Costs at the club’s future home base at the Kingston Twin Ovals, has already blown out to $120million with the state chipping in $105million, according to Gale.
He also conceded they need to build revenue to at least $60million annually in order to be competitive come 2028.
In contrast, Richmond recorded $125million in revenue last year – and that came despite ‘winning’ the wooden spoon after just two wins on the field.
Meanwhile, in March the Devils left footy fans horrified after the club unveiled its striking new mascot with the bizarre name Rum’un.
They also revealed the side’s logo and kit, with the team set to wear a green jumper with a golden image of the Apple Isle across its front.
‘Our newest recruit, Rum’un, will help us on our journey and be a great beacon of our club across the state,’ Devils CEO Gale said.
‘The creation of Rum’un reflects our club – uniquely Tasmanian, handcrafted and created with grit and determination representing our whole island.
‘Rum’un is also a little bit cheeky. These characteristics are all true to the Tasmania Football Club, a club that represents our whole state and who does things our way.’
