Expansion 20th AFL team location

[Canberra Pear]

It really should be WA3.

But if not,

Maybe we could internationalise the game with the NMFC, ie the North Melanesian Football Club. Would be based in PNG with some games in Fiji. And a NZ team.

I know that is 21 but I’d reduce the Melbourne teams by one.

Why WA3 over Canberra?

 

[Grand Uncle Horace]

Why WA3 over Canberra?

Canberra has a blow in / blow out population, a bit like Darwin. Just think the permanent population is too small to sustain an Oz Rules team.

Of course Canberra has heaps of footy fans but they are rusted on to other clubs.

 

[Canberra Pear]

Canberra has a blow in / blow out population, a bit like Darwin. Just think the permanent population is too small to sustain an Oz Rules team.

Of course Canberra has heaps of footy fans but they are rusted on to other clubs.

Canberra has plenty of blow ins, but fewer blow outs. That's why our population is growing so fast. We have more and more AFL fans every year without a team to support.

I would argue that Canberra's population would be on par with WA3 if you consider the vast majority of footy fans in Perth are already rusted on to West Coast or Freo.

 

[Seedsfan]

The last period of time that the league had an odd number of teams and a weekly bye, Carlton made a grand final....jus sayin'

2011? That was cats pies

 

[Spirit Level]

If FNQ became it's own state we truely would have our own version of Florida

 

[Bjo187]

I live in FNQ, and could eventually see a Cairns based team enter the competition but certainly not in the foreseeable future. There are more pressing issues up here, including a growing desire for FNQ to become its own independent State.

From a pure football point of view, they would have to build an indoor stadium to make it work.

How long have you been there? And since you have been there has footy grown, stagnated or gone backwards in growth and to what degree?

If FNQ became it's own state we truely would have our own version of Florida

All of Queensland is basically the Australian version of Florida. When I lived in the u.s there use to be a joke that Florida was called 'heavens waiting room', due to all the retirees that move there.

 

[Spirit Level]

How long have you been there? And since you have been there has footy grown, stagnated or gone backwards in growth and to what degree?



All of Queensland is basically the Australian version of Florida. When I lived in the u.s there use to be a joke that Florida was called 'heavens waiting room', due to all the retirees that move there.

Palm trees, old people and racist.

Maybe you're right

 

[Coolangatta]

Stadium in big trouble now apparently.

"Opponents of Hobart’s promised AFL stadium have declared the controversial project dead, in the wake of Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s shock decision to cap taxpayers’ exposure at $375m.

Mr Rockliff, in his first pledge of the state election campaign, sought to address fears the cost of the stadium - part of a deal delivering Tasmania an AFL team - will blowout far beyond the $715m estimated.

“I recognise that this project is not everyone’s cup of tea and that some Tasmanians would prefer that this money was spent in different areas,” Mr Rockliff said.

“I also understand that there are concerns in the community that the final cost of the stadium could significantly increase, leaving Tasmanian taxpayers with a large, unbudgeted bill.

“Therefore … a re-elected majority Rockliff Liberal government will cap Tasmanian government capital expenditure on the Macquarie Point Stadium at the currently budgeted $375m – and not one red cent more.”

The AFL has refused to provide more $15m for the fully roofed, 23,000-seat stadium and it is unclear how much of $240m pledged by the federal government will be spent on the stadium, as opposed to wider precinct development.

Thursday, February 15, 2024 Hi

HOMENATION Hobart’s AFL stadium ‘dead’ after Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s cost handpass Artist’s impression of proposed Macquarie Point AFL stadium, Hobart. Artist’s impression of proposed Macquarie Point AFL stadium, Hobart. By MATTHEW DENHOLM 4:34PM FEBRUARY 15, 202429 Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Email Save Opponents of Hobart’s promised AFL stadium have declared the controversial project dead, in the wake of Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s shock decision to cap taxpayers’ exposure at $375m.

Mr Rockliff, in his first pledge of the state election campaign, sought to address fears the cost of the stadium - part of a deal delivering Tasmania an AFL team - will blowout far beyond the $715m estimated.

“I recognise that this project is not everyone’s cup of tea and that some Tasmanians would prefer that this money was spent in different areas,” Mr Rockliff said.

“I also understand that there are concerns in the community that the final cost of the stadium could significantly increase, leaving Tasmanian taxpayers with a large, unbudgeted bill.

“Therefore … a re-elected majority Rockliff Liberal government will cap Tasmanian government capital expenditure on the Macquarie Point Stadium at the currently budgeted $375m – and not one red cent more.”

The AFL has refused to provide more $15m for the fully roofed, 23,000-seat stadium and it is unclear how much of $240m pledged by the federal government will be spent on the stadium, as opposed to wider precinct development.

Click to unmute Tasmanian premier announces election date Jeremy Rockliff confirmed the election would be held on March 23, during a press... See more Tasmanian premier announces election date READ MORE: AFL handpasses a grenade to Tasmania | Hobart’s AFL stadium ‘on shaky ground’ | Mr Rockliff denied he had effectively killed the project, which few independent observers believe can be built for less than $1 billion.

Instead, he said private investors would need to cover any budget overruns. However, opponents dismissed this idea as a fantasy, declaring the project dead.

“This is a political fix and it means the end of the stadium, because the agreement he (Rockliff) signed with the AFL transferred all the risk to the state,” said Roland Browne, spokesman for anti-stadium Our Place Hobart.

“He’s had the best part of a year to resolve funding for the stadium. That he attempts to do it on the first day of an election campaign is both embarrassing and ludicrous.

“There is no prospect of any private capital going into this unplanned, unfunded, and wrongly sited stadium.”

The AFL did not comment on whether it would increase its funding commitment but reiterated the stadium was a perquisite for the Tasmanian team.

“The team is conditional on a new 23,000 seat roofed stadium at Macquarie Point,” an AFL spokesman said.

Labor opposition leader Rebecca White hardened her party’s stance, saying the stadium had been costed at half the going rate for stadia builds and that the ALP did not support it.

“We don’t think a stadium is the right priority for our state,” Ms White said, reiterating her intention to renegotiate the AFL deal if elected premier on March 23.

“It’s evident to everybody that you can’t build a stadium at Macquarie Point for that price and in the timeline the Premier has said.”

In addition to the taxpayer and AFL funding, the $715m stadium funding package includes $85m to be raised from borrowings against land deals on the site.

Backers of the stadium argue it would provide a huge economic stimulus and create a world-class arena for the state’s long awaiting AFL team, as well as for other events.

Opponents argue the cost is likely to double and cannot be justified amid crises in health, housing and transport services, and rising state debt and deficits, particularly given Tasmania has two existing AFL stadia.

A competing alternative proposal has won over some detractors, but has not been embraced by the government.

Mr Rockliff’s handling of the stadium was a key factor in the decision of two Liberal MPs to quit the party last May, throwing the government into minority.

Resulting instability was the reason cited by Rockliff this week for calling the election 14 months before it was due.

MATTHEW DENHOLM"

 

[Canberra Pear]

Stadium in big trouble now apparently.

"Opponents of Hobart’s promised AFL stadium have declared the controversial project dead, in the wake of Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s shock decision to cap taxpayers’ exposure at $375m.

Mr Rockliff, in his first pledge of the state election campaign, sought to address fears the cost of the stadium - part of a deal delivering Tasmania an AFL team - will blowout far beyond the $715m estimated.

“I recognise that this project is not everyone’s cup of tea and that some Tasmanians would prefer that this money was spent in different areas,” Mr Rockliff said.

“I also understand that there are concerns in the community that the final cost of the stadium could significantly increase, leaving Tasmanian taxpayers with a large, unbudgeted bill.

“Therefore … a re-elected majority Rockliff Liberal government will cap Tasmanian government capital expenditure on the Macquarie Point Stadium at the currently budgeted $375m – and not one red cent more.”

The AFL has refused to provide more $15m for the fully roofed, 23,000-seat stadium and it is unclear how much of $240m pledged by the federal government will be spent on the stadium, as opposed to wider precinct development.

Thursday, February 15, 2024 Hi

HOMENATION Hobart’s AFL stadium ‘dead’ after Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s cost handpass Artist’s impression of proposed Macquarie Point AFL stadium, Hobart. Artist’s impression of proposed Macquarie Point AFL stadium, Hobart. By MATTHEW DENHOLM 4:34PM FEBRUARY 15, 202429 Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Email Save Opponents of Hobart’s promised AFL stadium have declared the controversial project dead, in the wake of Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s shock decision to cap taxpayers’ exposure at $375m.

Mr Rockliff, in his first pledge of the state election campaign, sought to address fears the cost of the stadium - part of a deal delivering Tasmania an AFL team - will blowout far beyond the $715m estimated.

“I recognise that this project is not everyone’s cup of tea and that some Tasmanians would prefer that this money was spent in different areas,” Mr Rockliff said.

“I also understand that there are concerns in the community that the final cost of the stadium could significantly increase, leaving Tasmanian taxpayers with a large, unbudgeted bill.

“Therefore … a re-elected majority Rockliff Liberal government will cap Tasmanian government capital expenditure on the Macquarie Point Stadium at the currently budgeted $375m – and not one red cent more.”

The AFL has refused to provide more $15m for the fully roofed, 23,000-seat stadium and it is unclear how much of $240m pledged by the federal government will be spent on the stadium, as opposed to wider precinct development.

Click to unmute Tasmanian premier announces election date Jeremy Rockliff confirmed the election would be held on March 23, during a press... See more Tasmanian premier announces election date READ MORE: AFL handpasses a grenade to Tasmania | Hobart’s AFL stadium ‘on shaky ground’ | Mr Rockliff denied he had effectively killed the project, which few independent observers believe can be built for less than $1 billion.

Instead, he said private investors would need to cover any budget overruns. However, opponents dismissed this idea as a fantasy, declaring the project dead.

“This is a political fix and it means the end of the stadium, because the agreement he (Rockliff) signed with the AFL transferred all the risk to the state,” said Roland Browne, spokesman for anti-stadium Our Place Hobart.

“He’s had the best part of a year to resolve funding for the stadium. That he attempts to do it on the first day of an election campaign is both embarrassing and ludicrous.

“There is no prospect of any private capital going into this unplanned, unfunded, and wrongly sited stadium.”

The AFL did not comment on whether it would increase its funding commitment but reiterated the stadium was a perquisite for the Tasmanian team.

“The team is conditional on a new 23,000 seat roofed stadium at Macquarie Point,” an AFL spokesman said.

Labor opposition leader Rebecca White hardened her party’s stance, saying the stadium had been costed at half the going rate for stadia builds and that the ALP did not support it.

“We don’t think a stadium is the right priority for our state,” Ms White said, reiterating her intention to renegotiate the AFL deal if elected premier on March 23.

“It’s evident to everybody that you can’t build a stadium at Macquarie Point for that price and in the timeline the Premier has said.”

In addition to the taxpayer and AFL funding, the $715m stadium funding package includes $85m to be raised from borrowings against land deals on the site.

Backers of the stadium argue it would provide a huge economic stimulus and create a world-class arena for the state’s long awaiting AFL team, as well as for other events.

Opponents argue the cost is likely to double and cannot be justified amid crises in health, housing and transport services, and rising state debt and deficits, particularly given Tasmania has two existing AFL stadia.

A competing alternative proposal has won over some detractors, but has not been embraced by the government.

Mr Rockliff’s handling of the stadium was a key factor in the decision of two Liberal MPs to quit the party last May, throwing the government into minority.

Resulting instability was the reason cited by Rockliff this week for calling the election 14 months before it was due.

MATTHEW DENHOLM"

Surely we're past the point of no return now for a Tasmanian team, stadium or not.

I assume a 19th team is already factored into the broadcast rights.

It's not ideal, but surely Bellerive Oval is adequate to start with.

 

[Coolangatta]

Surely we're past the point of no return now for a Tasmanian team, stadium or not.

I assume a 19th team is already factored into the broadcast rights.

It's not ideal, but surely Bellerive Oval is adequate to start with.

I forgot about that.

Assumed that if Tasmania doesn't get up, there won't be a 19th team, unless they go with WA3 and Canberra, but I'd imagine it'll stay at 18.

Also, it seems to me that if the Tasmania team is killed, they'll never get one.

 

[Cubs2Lions]

Surely we're past the point of no return now for a Tasmanian team, stadium or not.

I assume a 19th team is already factored into the broadcast rights.

It's not ideal, but surely Bellerive Oval is adequate to start with.

Funny in a way how the AFL has made all this fuss about the stadium being the centrepiece of the gaining license or not, yet the stadium wouldn’t be ready for use til beginning of 2029 and the club would have to play out Blundstone Arena anyways for the majority of their home matches in their first season (alongside UTAS per regular deal) so don’t see the massive issue with the current stadium, albeit it would need have a serious AO-type redevelopment in 15-20 years down the track.

As what Coolangatta stated in that if Tasmania’s license does get removed from this stadium formation disaster, there won’t be 19th and 20th teams anytime soon and wouldn’t be surprised if Tasmania chances of gaining an AFL license fade really quickly, which will be a massive shame cause Tasmania have produced so many wonderful players in its history and the only AFL matches being played down there will be part-time deals like we see now

 

[Cunnington Cartel]

Surely we're past the point of no return now for a Tasmanian team, stadium or not.

I assume a 19th team is already factored into the broadcast rights.

It's not ideal, but surely Bellerive Oval is adequate to start with.

IMO, the longer this drags on, the more likely it is that Dean Coleman’s 2.0 proposal will be given preferred status. He met with Rockliff on Monday of last week. There has been nothing but crickets since then, so Rocky is keeping his cards pretty close to his chest. Here’s an interview that Coleman did a few days prior to the meeting.

Coleman already has investors lined up to ensue his private-public project is fully funded and the government spending is capped at $375m. It’s shaping as a superior option in practically every conceivable way and it has far more support from the community overall. Coleman’s team has been working away in the background to ensure they have solutions to all issues raised by the government.

Now Rockliff is talking about sourcing private funding for the government-led project if they cost projections are over $715m. If that’s the case then just give 2.0 the tick of approval and move on with it.

 

[Howard Littlejohn]

So it seems like we have rolled ACT and NT, and WA3 around a fair bit. Now that the NRL have the Dolphins, what is everybody's thoughts on FNQ/Queensland 3?

No chance. Townsville and Cairns are too far apart at 4 hours drive, and too small to make long term investment worthwhile like western Sydney should eventually pay off.
Footy is fairly popular in Cairns, but that's also the smaller of the two.

One of the problems with it costing $40m+ to run a bare-bones club at AFL level is that regional areas are basically taken out of the picture.

 

[Coolangatta]

No chance. Townsville and Cairns are too far apart at 4 hours drive, and too small to make long term investment worthwhile like western Sydney should eventually pay off.
Footy is fairly popular in Cairns, but that's also the smaller of the two.

One of the problems with it costing $40m+ to run a bare-bones club at AFL level is that regional areas are basically taken out of the picture.

Yeah, it's a shame. I can't see any big financial backing happening for a North Queensland team but it might happen for the NT and it'd be the only way to get them up. A team playing 7 games in Darwin and 1 each in Alice Springs, Cairns, Townsville, and Mackay would be cool. Just wouldn't see it working in terms of crowds and memberships but the hope would be that it would be a big winner for TV ratings, stacked with Indigenous talent - having the team colours be in black, red, and gold would help.

It'd need billions of dolllars backing it, though, to go into grassroots development, a high performance centre, academy, pre-season camp, world-class stadium in Darwin, and so on. As it stands it's a pipe dream - hell, even Tassie is still gonna be a tough ask to get up, let alone them.

 

[Sewer de Lance]

How long have you been there? And since you have been there has footy grown, stagnated or gone backwards in growth and to what degree?

Grew up in Adelaide, but have lived in QLD since the early 2010s. NRL is obviously the number 1 sport up here but the AFL is definitely making serious inroads with approximately a 15% increase in registered players for the past calendar year.

Ipswich & the Gold Coast region are doing particularly well when it comes to junior participation.

As for Cairns, it’s a very cosmopolitan city which draws people from all over the place. I could eventually see an AFL licensed team up here one day, but not for another decade at least.

Like Tassie, we urgently need more investment in critical infrastructure before splurging on an expensive indoor stadium.

 

[Coolangatta]

Grew up in Adelaide, but have lived in QLD since the early 2010s. NRL is obviously the number 1 sport up here but the AFL is definitely making serious inroads with approximately a 15% increase in registered players for the past calendar year.

Ipswich & the Gold Coast region are doing particularly well when it comes to junior participation.

As for Cairns, it’s a very cosmopolitan city which draws people from all over the place. I could eventually see an AFL licensed team up here one day, but not for another decade at least.

Like Tassie, we urgently need more investment in critical infrastructure before splurging on an expensive indoor stadium.

I think a decade is way too soon, Cairns they say could hit 300k by 2030 but that won't be enough.

But you never know what could happen in the future; apparently Cairns came forward with a bid for the 20th team so at least they'd be willing to approach the AFL and make a case.

I certainly think the AFL could take a look at Cairns. I wonder if they'd play a game each in Townsville and Mackay. Either way, you'd think Cairns would be the main base of games for a NQ side and they might even go it alone.

 

[Coolangatta]

If 4 games at Bellerive is good enough for North then it's good enough for Tasmania. Put Tasmania over at Optus for three rounds of the year playing whatever Victorian clubs they think will draw the biggest neutral crowds. I'd imagine Collingwood, Essendon, and either Richmond or Carlton. If WA wants more footy then this is it.

The other 8 home games Tasmania can play would be 4 each at Bellerive and York Park.

If Tasmania wants to play all 11 of its home games in their own state, build the stadium.

Hell, it might become so popular that they never build the stadium, that Hobart and Launceston don't kill each other as they get an even split of games, and WA rallies behind Tasmania as their second team, boosting their base. Adelaide Oval can serve the same purpose for an NT club in 30 odd years.

Then again, Canberra is closer. Canberra Pear what'd you say you guys help out Tassie and give them three home games at a 20k+ Manuka. More likely to sell out and 6 games per year in Canberra strengthens the case for their own team. They'll hate you less for not needing a new stadium like they do.

 

[peetoo]

Put a two week gather round in Tassie for three years running and the stadium is looking more of a winner for the state

 

[Crazyfrog]

Hey Guys,

Very unrelated but does anybody know why the Gabba now suddenly isn’t getting redeveloped?

I think it’s kinda old and ugly and deserves to be rebuilt.

How will QLD run the Olympics?


On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[NorthernBastard]

Less is more

 

[Chief Hopper]

If 4 games at Bellerive is good enough for North then it's good enough for Tasmania.

I have to say this to me is the most glaring issue with this whole development.
Why does the AFL need to spend $1.2 Billion to create a whole new stadium, when there is already stadiums in Tas that have a track record holding AFL matches?

The whole thing stinks of pork barreling, pumping up the whole thing to cost as much money, or boost enough egos, as possible.
I mean, how far would 100mil go in redeveloping Bludstone area?

 

[Coolangatta]

I have to say this to me is the most glaring issue with this whole development.
Why does the AFL need to spend $1.2 Billion to create a whole new stadium, when there is already stadiums in Tas that have a track record holding AFL matches?

The whole thing stinks of pork barreling, pumping up the whole thing to cost as much money, or boost enough egos, as possible.
I mean, how far would 100mil go in redeveloping Bludstone area?

Apparently it's because it's a shit location that's a pain in the ass to get to.

 

[Howard Littlejohn]

Apparently it's because it's a s**t location that's a pain in the ass to get to.

Bellerive is poorly located. But put up some high walls at the back of the hill to block the wind, maybe removable winter-only seating over the hill, and its adequate for the short term.

Then look at a new build of an existing venue if after 5-6 years the club looks like being viable. That is highly doubtful - of all the main expansion options, Tas is the most likely short term off-field success and least likely long term. Ideally, move to a rebuilt KG5 and no roof.

Split games 8 Hobart, 3 Launceston, rotating teams so one half of the state doesn't always get the low drawing matches and probably drop off the club. (Its inevitable with the Eddie demanded stadium that Collingwood, Essendon, Richmond, Carlton will only ever play Hobart; GC, GWS and a mix of North, Freo, Melbourne and Port will get Lonny).
Finals mostly in Launceston, more centrally located to the three population centres with people more likely to be willing to travel for finals. They aren't so likely to do so for regular H&A games after the first couple of years.

 

[Coolangatta]

Bellerive is poorly located. But put up some high walls at the back of the hill to block the wind, maybe removable winter-only seating over the hill, and its adequate for the short term.

Then look at a new build of an existing venue if after 5-6 years the club looks like being viable. That is highly doubtful - of all the main expansion options, Tas is the most likely short term off-field success and least likely long term. Ideally, move to a rebuilt KG5 and no roof.

Split games 8 Hobart, 3 Launceston, rotating teams so one half of the state doesn't always get the low drawing matches and probably drop off the club. (Its inevitable with the Eddie demanded stadium that Collingwood, Essendon, Richmond, Carlton will only ever play Hobart; GC, GWS and a mix of North, Freo, Melbourne and Port will get Lonny).
Finals mostly in Launceston, more centrally located to the three population centres with people more likely to be willing to travel for finals. They aren't so likely to do so for regular H&A games after the first couple of years.

Don't know, I'd still go the 7-4 split because Launceston is used to 4 games a year and shouldn't get any less than they already are.

But if Tassie gets 7 at Bellerive from day one then they can take the AFL for a ride and can the stadium, although that's highly likely to be against their interests.

But what are the AFL going to do if they don't build it, kick them out of the comp? They won't do that, so the AFL simply won't let them play until they know for certain that the stadium is being built.

By the time Tasmania enter the comp, the stadium will need to be well on the way to completion.

 

[Canberra Pear]

Bellerive is poorly located. But put up some high walls at the back of the hill to block the wind, maybe removable winter-only seating over the hill, and its adequate for the short term.

Then look at a new build of an existing venue if after 5-6 years the club looks like being viable. That is highly doubtful - of all the main expansion options, Tas is the most likely short term off-field success and least likely long term. Ideally, move to a rebuilt KG5 and no roof.

Split games 8 Hobart, 3 Launceston, rotating teams so one half of the state doesn't always get the low drawing matches and probably drop off the club. (Its inevitable with the Eddie demanded stadium that Collingwood, Essendon, Richmond, Carlton will only ever play Hobart; GC, GWS and a mix of North, Freo, Melbourne and Port will get Lonny).
Finals mostly in Launceston, more centrally located to the three population centres with people more likely to be willing to travel for finals. They aren't so likely to do so for regular H&A games after the first couple of years.

I was just looking at KGV as an option today. It's built right along a disused rail line, which had previously been mooted as a light rail route.

A light rail and an upgraded KGV would probably cost pretty similarly to Mac Point and be more palatable for the non-footy public.