Prominent Launceston businessman Errol Stewart has added another string to his bow, named as a member of a project team for Tasmanian AFL and AFLW sides.
Led by founding Virgin Australia chief executive, Brett Godfrey, Stewart joins a high-powered list of influential individuals as the Tasmanian government gets the wheels in motion for the potential historic bid.
Joining Stewart and Godfrey on the project team full of Australian business experience and football knowledge will be former Woolworths chief executive Grant O'Brien, Lauderdale Football Club president Julie Kay, former GWS Giants chief financial officer Paul Eriksson, and executive chairman of Dynamic Sports and Entertainment group, James Henderson.
Requested by the Tasmanian government to join the task-force analysing the positives of a state side being included into the AFL, Stewart outlined the basic principles of the group.
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"Basically it has been put together to look at the best way forward and as a group, we will sit down and look at the input needed to, not just achieve an AFL side, but one that will be successful in the long term for Tasmania," he said.
A proud Launceston resident and avid Hawthorn supporter, this isn't the first time Stewart's knowledge and nous has been called upon for football matters.
Alongside Peter Hudson and Paul Sproule, Stewart was a part of the original task-force that was instrumental in getting the Hawks to Tasmania in 2000 and was involved in the government's 2008-09 bid for an AFL side.
With $150,000 set aside in the state budget for the implementation of the project, the team will consult with the AFL, the Football Tasmania board, the government and the local football community in order to develop a strong business plan which would prove the sides to be financially viable.
The first meeting is set for Friday, with short and long term goals to be discussed as a group as well as the importance of creating a truly national competition.
Josh Partridge
As a sports-mad fan who loves to remain challenged, sports journalism always seemed the path for me and it's allowed me to do things I never thought possible. A keen racquet sports player, I'm experienced in that field, allowing me to do my job at a strong standard.
As a sports-mad fan who loves to remain challenged, sports journalism always seemed the path for me and it's allowed me to do things I never thought possible. A keen racquet sports player, I'm experienced in that field, allowing me to do my job at a strong standard.
