In its editorial section, The Mercury describes the benefit of the Roos playing games in Hobart as 'absolutely enormous'.
"The Institute of Project Management report’s finding that $25 million flowed into the capital is great news — for council funding of $250,000, it represents a return of over $22 for every $1."
North reached out to more than 17,500 people in 2014 through 39 corporate, public and youth events and clinics.
"This type of involvement is incredibly valuable to our community, especially during the recent economic downturn.
"The commercial benefits of the North deal include increased trade in hospitality and retail, civic benefits such as the “huddle” program and individual benefits such as the satisfaction the community gets from having AFL games in Hobart.
"These benefits are real, not imaginary. They also engender a sense of confidence in the community that can have an impact on retail and other sectors."
North's deal to play three games a year out at Blundstone Arena now looking like a inspired move by key partners Spirit of Tasmania and the Hobart City Council.
"It is no secret that until recently Tasmania’s capital has survived the economic downturn far better than the regions and innovative, proactive deals such as the North AFL games have helped achieve this.
"Hobart has seized the day and taken initiative, and that is what must happen statewide.
"There is no time to waste complaining because the economic indicators show very little change in the near future so it will be innovative and imaginative thinking that will keep our island economy spinning."
North Melbourne will host it Community Camp in the region next year and will continue to host football clinics and schools programs.
