As tensions between the AFL and state government continues to mount, Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson has once again thrown his support behind a Tasmanian team.
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Clarkson told AFL.com.au on Sunday that he'd be happy for the Hawks' multi-million dollar partnership to end with Tasmania if it meant the state received a team.
"Our club, in actual fact, is strong in the view that in a national competition it would be fantastic for Tassie to have their own club," he said.
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Clarkson also suggested the Northern Territory receive a team to round-out a 20-team competition.
"In the mean time, Tassie hasn't got a team ... 'how can we help Tasmania service that great need for that they've got, the passionate supporters they have down there, that want to see AFL product in their state?" he said.
"Hawthorn's been doing that for the best part of 20 years."
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said on Friday that a review would be undertaken into the Tasmanian taskforce's case for a team.
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He said the review would likely be completed by late 2021 or early 2022.
Premier Peter Gutwein has since lambasted the response as disrespectful and unfair to the state, with deals regarding North Melbourne and the Hawks up in the air because of the stalemate.
Gutwein said he would push for a meeting with McLachlan as soon as possible to discuss the matter.