Premier Peter Gutwein has encouraged the crowd at Blundstone Arena this weekend to "politely boo" Gold Coast Suns president Tony Cochrane in retaliation for derogatory comments made about the state's ambition for its own football team.
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In the latest in a trade of barbs between the two, Mr Gutwein told Parliament on Thursday that Tasmanians should flock to the game between North Melbourne and the Suns to show the AFL and Mr Cochrane how serious they were about football in the state.
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Mr Gutwein said Mr Cochrane remained one of the few detractors of a Tasmanian AFL team.
"Whilst I understand that the Suns aren't the most successful team in the AFL, and while it is unusual for me to use this Parliament as a place to drum up business for failing football clubs, I would make the point that we need to turn up on Saturday and demonstrate that we have a real passion for the game," he said.
Upping the ante, Mr Gutwein challenged Mr Cochrane to join him on the ground for a goal-kicking competition.
As an added inducement to boost crowd numbers at the game, North Melbourne will offer free entry to any child who walks through the gates with an adult.
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Political reporter for Australian Community Media, based in Hobart.
Political reporter for Australian Community Media, based in Hobart.
