A statement released by the AFL on Monday night said:“Warner Bros. Discovery and the AFL have come to an amicable agreement and look forward to seeing footy fans across Tasmania support the AFL’s newest football club,the Tasmania Devils. The Devils will no doubt be a club that unites the state and showcases the best of Tasmania.”
Tasmania’s under-18 men’s and women’s teams already play as the Tasmanian Devils,while a former VFL club was also the Tasmanian Devils.
The Devils are yet to finalise either a club theme song,or chief executive. O’Brien said he wanted the CEO to be appointed by the end of June,and starting in the role by early next year. The role is likely to be filled by Richmond’s current chief Brendon Gale,according to Caroline Wilson’s report onFooty Classified last week. Gale is a Tasmanian native.
O’Brien,speaking to the Devils’ faithful,said the work was only now beginning.
“On behalf of the entire board,I want to express my appreciation to all of those who have helped us get to this point. That’s not just been in the last few months,but that’s been for the last few decades as we have fought for what we believe is right for Tasmania,and that’s to have our own team in the AFL,” O’Brien said.
The Devils expect supporters to start signing up as foundation members,with more than 40,000 fans this year expected to pay the $10 membership fee.
The AFL hopes the major launch unites the state,ahead of Saturday’s state election which has the proposed new $715 million stadium at Macquarie Point as a key debate.
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon reiterated on Monday that the AFL believes the 23,000-seat roofed stadium is a non-negotiable element of the new club,which will enter the competition in 2028.
In their first season,the Devils will play their home games at the existing Bellerive Oval in Hobart and York Park in Launceston. For each season after that,the Tasmanian government must pay the club $4.5 million if the stadium isn’t ready.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff and his state Liberal Party insist the new stadium will go ahead,although the government will tip in no more than $375 million. The federal government will contribute $240 million,although that includes a broader urban renewal project,the AFL $15 million with further funding from private investment.
The Macquarie Point Development Corporation is appointing a quantity surveyor,which could mean the cost estimate change by the end of this year.
Tasmanian Labor leader Rebecca White is keen for the team to move ahead but says it needs to be successful before the new stadium is built.
“You prove up the team. You prove it works. You demonstrate you’ve got the crowd numbers,” White said last week.
The club,handed the league’s 19th licence last year,will also be on the hunt for a coach. Dillon believes “someone who has done it before” would be the best option.
The AFL will also need to decide what concessions it gives to the club to help it build a strong playing list,with Dillon keen for the club to be an immediate success.
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