Tasmania Devils boss Kath McCann in tears as AFL future suddenly in doubt amid political turmoil

Shayne Hope
7NEWS Sport
A political crisis is threatening to end any hopes for the state to have its first AFL team.

The Tasmania Devils fear for their future as an AFL expansion club, amid growing political uncertainty in the island state.

The state’s Labor opposition is poised to pass a no-confidence motion against Liberal premier Jeremy Rockliff, which could endanger the Devils club.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Tasmania’s AFL dream turning into nightmare.

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It comes as Rockliff faces increasing heat over his party’s financial management and plans for a new stadium in Hobart.

The proposed 23,000-seat roofed venue at Macquarie Point in Hobart is a contractual condition of the Devils’ entry into the AFL in 2028.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Tasmania Football Club said the political uncertainty presents a “serious risk” to its future.

“The political uncertainty that is currently unfolding in the Tasmanian Parliament is of great concern to Tasmania Football Club,” the statement reads.

“Like the rest of the community, we are unsure what will happen today and what the impacts of any actions taken might be.

The Game AFL 2025

“What we do know is that uncertainty presents a serious risk for jobs, investment and growth, and for the future of Tasmania Football Club.

“Tasmania Football Club remains steadfast on building a club for all Tasmanians.

“We are also steadfast on staying out of politics. We ask that our political leaders understand the implications of their actions and decisions on the future of our state for all Tasmanians, a future which we know Tasmania Football Club can play a significant part.”

A group of key Devils figures on Wednesday pleaded for politicians to put aside their differences for the sake of the club.

Kath McCann — the club’s general manager of marketing, corporate affairs and social impact — was reduced to tears.

“This club is powered by our future generations; by our kids and by our grandkids,” McCann said.

“It’s an opportunity to bring this state together, it’s an opportunity to create pathways, and they’re real. They’re happening now.

“I’ve got 50 students out here in my sight line, they power us every single day, and they will keep doing that.

“We’re going to play on and we want to see this team, this club, become a reality because our young people deserve it.”

She said the political fight was a negative look for Tasmania on a national and international scale.

“What this looks like is uncertainty, what it looks like is a risk to invest, what it looks like is a state not unified, and I think we’re better than that,” McCann said.

“And I think our leaders need to think about the consequences of their actions.

“We see this club playing a massive role in not only the economic success of the state going forward, but also the social fabric of who we are as a place.

“I just encourage any decision-maker to think about consequences of actions and implications.”

Devils ambassador Jack Riewoldt said club officials remain focused on delivering success for their 210,000 members, despite the ongoing uncertainty.

The Tasmania product and Richmond triple-premiership star did not want to contemplate a future where the Devils don’t exist.

“It would be a big opportunity lost,” Riewoldt said.

“These things don’t come around very often, and who’s to say it might come around ever again if this is not the time for it.

“It would be extremely disappointing, and hopefully we’re not having that conversation.”

Tasmania needs its new stadium to enter the AFL.
Tasmania needs its new stadium to enter the AFL. Credit: AAP

Originally published on 7NEWS Sport

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