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“It will be an important part of Tasmania’s sporting and entertainment evolution,growing and supporting the state’s visitor economy,and inspiring infrastructure and transport systems to support industry,business and community growth,ultimately shaping and invigorating our capital,” Gutwein said.

The government has confirmed its preferred site for a new stadium at Hobart’s Regatta Ground foreshore. While the state already has Bellerive Oval in Hobart where North Melbourne host home games,and a stadium in Launceston where Hawthorn host home games,a new venue was deemed necessary to get the bid over the line.

The stadium,which will redefine the capital city,is set to have seating capacity of about 27,000. There are plans for a retractable roof,jutting out onto the River Derwent.

A report completed by former Geelong president and governance expert Colin Carter and delivered to the AFL Commission last year focused primarily on the existing two stadiums but,regardless,it made several key points.

“The task force correctly argued that a ‘clean’ stadium is important and that the stadiums in Hobart and Launceston should not be too large because that will undermine the new club’s economics,” Carter wrote.

“Reserved seat sales will be critical to the club’s business model and success will depend on getting the supply/demand balance right. Federal and state government support will be required for modern,fully equipped player facilities appropriate to Hobart and Launceston.”

The report outlined three options for a team:a stand-alone team,a relocated team or a “joint venture” which would involve a team splitting games between Tasmania and Melbourne.

“It could take the form of a 19th licence and that case can be made. But relocation of an existing team if a club is keen to take that path,or a joint venture between Tasmanian stakeholders and a Victorian team that secures strong support in two markets from the outset,would arguably produce a more sustainable outcome,” Carter said.

“Whatever form a team for Tasmania takes,it will remain dependent on state government funding until the team achieves a minimum level of financial sustainability and it is important that this funding be secured ahead of any decision. Agreement must also be reached around provision of appropriate stadia and related facilities.”

The report found that “the usual arguments against a Tasmanian team are mostly refuted or the risks mitigated – the poor economy,player dilution,north/south rivalry and player attraction and retention. But ‘retention’ is hard to ignore. If the club is successful,the ‘retention’ argument fades because the evidence is that players will stay at a good club”.

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