THE AFL will meet today to discuss Hawthorn's shock announcement of a $300,000 contribution towards Launceston's Aurora Stadium.
The surprise funding was revealed by Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett at half-time in Saturday's clash between the Hawks and St Kilda.
The $300,000 contribution from the club will enable Aurora's Northern Stand redevelopment to proceed.
Mr Kennett criticised the league for its approach to the state, saying Hawthorn would continue to represent the AFL's interests "even if they don't give a damn about Tasmania".
AFL media relations manager Patrick Keane said that the AFL was stunned by Hawthorn's announcement as it was due to make an announcement on the funding later this week.
"We will take those comments (by Mr Kennett) to the board and see if there has been any changes since Hawthorn's announcement yesterday," Mr Keane said.
"We will need to talk to the Launceston City Council because obviously Hawthorn has come out and said this, which is news to us.
"It will be a matter for our executives who will talk about it and get a full understanding of what Hawthorn's proposal is, then we will talk to the Launceston City Council to see what effect it will have."
Mr Kennett said he made the announcement because he had run out of patience with the league and its proposed contribution to the $7 million project.
Two offers, of $200,000 and $300,000 respectively, have been rejected.
He said that the AFL kept trying to justify its $300,000 offer as generous but conditions attached to it were unacceptable.
Inveresk Precinct Authority chairman Robin McKendrick backed Mr Kennett's claims, saying that the AFL had been deliberately slow in committing money towards the ground.
"I personally think they have been slow in their commitment, especially because Aurora Stadium has proven that it is a success," Alderman McKendrick said.
"I believe that a contribution of $500,000 by the AFL, which is what we were looking at getting, would be a very easy decision for them to make.
"It should have been a quick decision because in their overall budget, $500,000 is a drop in the ocean compared to what they're preparing to dump into Sydney and Queensland when we already have the runs on the board.
"We have proved that we can run the event, attract a capacity crowd and proven over years that Tasmania is not only a great place for spectators but for all the footballers that are produced here."
Sports Minister Michelle O'Byrne and Bass Liberal MHA Peter Gutwein also welcomed Hawthorn's $300,000 funding.
"It is great that the club has such a passion for Tasmania and those Hawthorn members who live here that it is prepared to make this commitment," Ms O'Byrne said.
"It further underlines the value of the sponsorship arrangement with the State Government."
Mr Gutwein said that he was happy with the announcement but said that the State Government, AFL Tasmania and the Launceston City Council should have done more sooner.
AFL Tasmania general manager Scott Wade did not want to comment.
"I am happy to say that Jeff can say whatever he wants to say, but AFL Tasmania will do our business in the right manner and not through the newspapers," Mr Wade said.
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