A potential delay to the vote for a Tasmanian AFL team has its positives, according to Tasmanian AFL taskforce member Errol Stewart.
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Stewart was in the dark over whether AFL club presidents had received formal documents outlining the bid.
He said the state government had developed the documents that then went to the AFL before being circulated to club presidents.
"I think if it's delayed it's because [AFL chief executive Gillion] McLachlan wants to put a water tight case of what this is for the game," Stewart said.
He said the AFL would have a bit more work to do on the documents after its received the papers to ensure it was in the best possible position to put forward to the commission and presidents.
If it's delayed it's because [AFL chief executive Gillion] McLachlan wants to put a water tight case of what this is for the game.
- Errol Stewart
The two key elements to be added by the league, Stewart said would be decisions on concessions and timing of when to enter the competition.
"The more homework the AFL does with timing and draft concessions, the better and more robust the bid will be moving forward," he said.
On the assumption the documents hadn't been circulated, Stewart said he found it hard to see a vote happen in the next small window of time.
He speculated if this was the case, the bid could probably happen in September.
While Premier Jeremy Rockliff confirmed he was expecting a decision by the end of August.
"I look forward to a decision being made sooner rather than later," Rockliff said.
"I'm hopeful. We have put a lot into our bid... it's a strong bid."
When questioned on clubs needing more information and whether anyone had dropped the ball in providing that, Rockliff responded by saying the information had been provided by a "very strong bid".
"We are always willing to engage with the AFL to ensure we get that 19th licence," he said.
I look forward to a decision being made sooner rather than later.
- Jeremy Rockliff
Sport and Recreation Minister Nick Street doubled-down on Tasmania's need for a team in light of the JackJumpers' popularity and success.
He said the NBL team had shown Tasmanians will turn up to support their own team.
Stewart said the taskforce believed in the bid with the financial backing of the state government.
"We all believe it's a strong bid and it's more money than any other government has likely underwritten for a team," Stewart said.
"A lot of work will need to be involved to make a team successful on the park and financially."
He said the state government had committed to the financial requirements of a team that the taskforce had found would be necessary.
Molly Appleton
Molly Appleton is a senior journalist at The Examiner, having formerly worked at The Advocate as a news and sports reporter. She brings a passion for storytelling and knowledge of Tasmania across the three major regions. For any story ideas contact her on 0448 184 160.
Molly Appleton is a senior journalist at The Examiner, having formerly worked at The Advocate as a news and sports reporter. She brings a passion for storytelling and knowledge of Tasmania across the three major regions. For any story ideas contact her on 0448 184 160.
