Premier Peter Gutwein talks with AFL to host games in quarantine hubs

Premier Peter Gutwein conducted a private meeting with AFL boss Gillon McLachlan last week to register the state's interest in hosting matches behind close doors.

Gutwein turned that interest into something official, signing off a letter to the AFL on Monday to indicate the state government's readiness to engage over further details.

The hubs are promising to be the next step towards the resumption of the postponed 2020 AFL season after just the opening round played out.

"I certainly said to Mr McLachlan, regarding the hub concept in Tasmaniafben, we believe that if the cost is being met by the AFL, as I understand that they are, we would find an opportunity, subject to public health advice and our border controls, to go ahead," he said.

Several governments have put forward cases to secure one of the hub locations considered where a small group of teams play a round-robin series in total isolation.

Northern Territory, who has the lowest coronavirus rate of 30 cases and have yet to record a death, has offered the AFL to host matches in front of unaffected crowds.

Gutwein just a month ago played down any talk of AFL teams visiting Tasmania.

But the government, who forks out about $8 million to bring eight fixtures a year to Launceston and Hobart, was keen to get a degree of economic benefit without any further costs to taxpayers.

"That's been the discussions we have heard between the AFL and our officers at state growth," Gutwein said.

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"The AFL is getting ready all of the costs."

Gutwein hinted that UTAS Stadium was clearly the best location over others in the state to bring in multiple teams that would be close to secure accommodation.

"On the basis that we need a sporting hub, more than likely it'll be in the North of the state," he said.

"That is an area that has and can provide the necessary infrastructure and we are having a discussion with Mr McLachlan about that again later this week."

The government has been battling with the racing industry in recent weeks after banning meetings in Tasmania since the end of March.

But Gutwein said the possible spread of COVID-19 that people associated with racing could spread would be prevented in AFL circles while in full quarantine.

"In terms of national sport, it is still somewhat of a moving piece and again it will be determined based on public health advice," Gutwein said.

"Obviously, one of the challenges that we have is ensuring that we can have appropriate border controls in place should a hub be looked at as a serious proposition by the AFL.

"We have one of the best football grounds around [at UTAS Stadium], but for obvious reasons, ultimately with where clubs are currently based, it may be challenging for Tasmania too.

"But I'd like to see some football played here if that's possible later in the year."

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