Ben Buckley has reinforced North Melbourne’s position on playing games in Tasmania, saying it has ‘no appetite’ to play more than four games in Hobart.
The club chairman reiterated his position and dismissed recent commentary.
“I have always said and will continue to state, Arden Street is our home and will always be our home under my leadership,” Buckley said.
Recently North Melbourne agreed to play an additional game at Blundstone Arena and Buckley said while the benefits would be significant, the club won’t be entertaining any more.
“We have no appetite to play more than four games in Tasmania and we have made that explicitly clear to the AFL,” Buckley stated.
“We are committed to growing the game and the development pathways of players in the state, but will not entertain more than four games under my leadership.
“Hawthorn also plays four games in Tasmania, and we feel the model works well and the balance is right. We have no desire to change the model as it stands.”
Buckley said works to improve the club’s headquarters point to a long-future in Melbourne.
“I am deeply passionate about this club, it’s heritage and its future,” he said.
“We are working incredibly hard to enshrine ourselves at Arden Street and construction has begun on our redevelopment. In the coming months, our players will have new facilities and resources in the football department and we intend to once again play games at Arden Street with our VFL and AFLW sides.”
In a wide ranging interview, Buckley said he was confident the club’s recent recruiting efforts during the trade period would see further improvements on-field.
North acquired the services of Port Adelaide duo Jared Polec and Jasper Pittard, Suns player Aaron Hall and Demon Dom Tyson.
“All four have great qualities that will enhance the depth and skill of our list,” Buckley commented.
“We took a lot of people by surprise last year with twelve wins and only narrowly missing the finals, and next year we certainly have the firepower and capacity to improve even further.
“Our list management team has done a good job and it will be an exciting year for the club, no doubt.”
