Board announced for Tasmania’s AFL and AFLW team

September 14, 2023

Government / Sport /

A milestone has been reached in the establishment of Tasmania’s own AFL and AFLW teams with the appointment of the Board of Directors for the new club.

Advising that the appointment of the Board of Directors was another important step, Tasmanian Premier, Jeremy Rockliff advised "it is essential the Tasmanian team and club have strong leadership, sound governance and strategic oversight, and this board will deliver that.

“I thank the Nominations Committee for their work and look forward to working with the Board as we draw closer to making history and seeing our Tasmanian team run onto the field in our colours, singing our song, for the first time.”

Inaugural Chair Grant O’Brien has announced that the new Directors will be:

Alastair Lynch
Alicia Leis
Graeme Gardner
James Henderson
Kath McCann
Kathy Schaefer
Laura McBain
Roger Curtis

Premier Rockliff also announced that former AFL player Jack Riewoldt has been engaged to assist in the development of the club’s grassroots foundations, and an AFLW Advisory Panel has also been established to be led by Julie Kay to support and guide the development and growth of female football in Tasmania.

Explaining that as a member of the Tasmanian AFL Taskforce, Kay has played a significant role in the establishment of the Club, while Riewoldt is a hero to many young Tasmanians, Tasmanian Minister for Sport and Recreation, Nic Street noted “we are thrilled to have Ms Kay and Mr Riewoldt involved in the future of football in Tasmania.

“Tasmania is an AFL heartland, and we know that not only will a 19th licence deliver positive social outcomes, and reinvigorate grassroots community football, it will also provide significant economic outcomes too.

“I am proud to be part of the Government that has been able to deliver a long-held dream for Tasmania to finally be part of the AFL.”

6th September 2023 - Controversial Hobart AFL stadium could generate $226 million a year for Tasmanian economy

25th August 2023 - Inaugural Northern Tasmania Sports Facility Plan identifies shortage of netball and basketball courts

18th August 2023 - GWS GIANTS Chief Operating Officer to head Stadiums Tasmania

11th August 2023 - Tasmanian Government commences consultation on site selection for AFL team centre

8th July 2023 - Inaugural Chair announced for Tasmania’s AFL Club

22nd May 2023 - Tasmanian Government releases detail of deal with AFL for Hobart Stadium

20th May 2023 - AFL Chief Executive warns Tasmanian objectors ‘no expansion team without new Hobart Stadium’

3rd May 2023 - Gillon McLachlan confirms entry of Tasmanian teams into AFL and AFLW competitions

2nd May 2023 - AFL Club Presidents unanimously approve 19th team licence for Tasmania

29th April 2023 - Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announces $300 million funding for new Tasmanian stadia

22nd April 2023 - NBL exploring sale of Tasmania JackJumpers

1st March 2023 - Tasmanian Government delivers package of community sport and recreation initiatives

23rd February 2023 - AFL makes $360 million commitment for Tasmanian team funding contingent on new Hobart stadium

13th February 2023 - New Director appointed at Tasmanian Institute of Sport

3rd February 2023 - Directors appointed to new Stadiums Tasmania board

23rd December 2022 - Tasmania Government presents business case for new Hobart stadium

18th November 2022 - AFL reveals in-principle agreement for Tasmania expansion team

28th September 2022 - 150 sporting clubs in Victoria and Tasmania share $200,000 in grants from McDonald’s

21st September 2022 - Tasmanian Government’s AFL licence bid sees it increase financial commitment

17th August 2022 - Tasmanian Premier says JackJumpers’ success provides a strong message to AFL decision-makers

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