North Melbourne CEO Ben Amarfio says the club is looking forward to commencing negotiations to extend its deal to play games in Tasmania in 2022.
With the news the AFL has provided a deadline on a decision for the state’s push for its own team, in early 2022, the Tasmanian government will now look to continue talks with North and Hawthorn.
“This decision will pave the way for us to continue our discussions with the Spirit of Tasmania in relation to North Melbourne playing four home games in Hobart in 2022,” Amarfio told The Herald Sun.
“As the Premier stated (on Tuesday), it is a win-win for all involved. Our 6700 Tassie members will have the opportunity of watching us play at Blundstone next season and Tassie will finally have clarity about a decision on their own team.
“As we understand it, the AFL Commission will put its recommendation on a licence for a team to represent Tasmania to AFL Club Presidents during the early part of the 2022 season.”
The Roos played an extra game in Hobart in 2021, for a total of five, due to COVID implications, having had an agreement for four matches a season at Blundstone Arena since 2019.
North has hosted 27 games at the venue since beginning its partnership in 2012, with an impressive 17 wins.
“This is a win-win. Tassie footy fans get yet another season of top class footy played in Tasmania and we will finally have a decision on our own Tassie team,” Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein said.
