Tasmanian A-League bid: 'case stands up irrespective' of AFL, netball

As the JackJumpers prepare for entry into the NBL in 2021-22, Tasmania is also bidding to compete in Super Netball from 2023 and AFL from 2025.

Having missed the chance to win an A-League licence in 2018, Football Tasmania is confident of succeeding in the next round of the competition's expansion with president Bob Gordon stating in January that the stars were "aligned" for a standalone team.

Tasmanian football and netball sides have been dominating the headlines in recent weeks, but FT chief executive Matt Bulkeley said the state's A-League bid was ticking along nicely behind the scenes.

RELATED: AFL bid: 'they haven't bothered to look at it'

"As a sport we're focused on the opportunity that we might have to [get] a Tasmanian A-League team which we think is a very real opportunity," Bulkeley said.

"It would have a huge impact on football in this state and would provide, among other things, some really substantial pathway opportunities for our talented players, coaches and match officials.

"So that's where our focus is, we think there's a really strong case that has already been made for Tasmania to be part of a national competition and I think that case will stand on its merits irrespective of other Tasmanian teams in national competitions."

Tasmania appears to be turning a corner after decades of going unrepresented in national sporting competitions.

Of the major sports, cricket and hockey have led the way for years with Tasmanian men's sides last winning titles in 2013 and 2014 respectively.

The Tasmanian women's cricket team also appears a good chance of winning its first WNCL title this season as one of only two unbeaten sides four games in.

Meanwhile, the Apple Isle has enjoyed precious few seasons in national basketball competitions and been completely absent from top-flight football, netball and soccer leagues since their inception.

MORE SPORT: Decision 'imminent' on Launceston's World Cup bid

Jarrod Freeman's 'unreal' encounter with Labuschagne, Khawaja

WSL: Launceston United 'might surprise a few teams'

Bulkeley said the state's ever-growing soccer-loving population made it a shoe-in for an A-League team.

"First of all, simply, we don't believe it's a national competition unless Tasmania's in it," Bulkeley said.

"Football's the largest team sport in Tasmania now, we've got a genuine state-wide presence, we have a strong NPL Tasmania competition and we're about to start the newly-formed WSL competition.

"We know there are people who are interested and prepared to back the bid and we just think it's a really strong opportunity for the game."

Facebook has banned news from its platform. You can read our response here.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: