The Richmond Football Club is currently evaluating the feasibility of playing home games in Tasmania during the next two years. The Tasmanian government is currently making strenuous efforts to fill that gap until the AFL’s 19th team, the Devils, arrives in 2028. This is an encouraging sign of progress in their development plans. Richmond has rich convict histories intertwined with Tasmania’s deep Indigenous histories. This is what makes their hosting of the two largest attended games in the state’s history so impressive.
Richmond is currently in the middle of a rebuilding transition. This scenario has led to discussions of shifting more of their home matches out of Marvel Stadium. The club has averaged 21,000 fans over their last five contests while playing at the new stadium. This trend points to a growing frustration among supporters with the location. Richmond’s coach, Damian Hardwick, has in the past called out Marvel Stadium, an opinion shared by many footy fans.
The Tasmanian government appears willing to spend big to lure Richmond to Tasmania. They hope to build up enough content in the state prior to the Devils coming in to the AFL. Mitch Cleary noted that the government recognizes the importance of avoiding a gap in Hobart’s sporting calendar for the next two years.
“And we know the Tassie government want to spend up big because they want content down in Tassie before the Devils arrive. They can’t have a gaping hole in the Hobart side of things for the next two years.” – Mitch Cleary
Richmond’s potential move could see them effectively replace North Melbourne as the team playing at Hobart’s Ninja Stadium. This means North Melbourne will play their last home games in Tasmania after this season. This recent reversal of fortune is Richmond’s opportunity to intervene. As AFL great Luke Hodge explains, this has the potential to be a game-changer for Richmond.
“If you’re making that decision … they’re not going to play finals over the next three or four years with all the young list and the turnout they’ve had, so why wouldn’t you take them down there? Make some money before Tassie get a team,” – Luke Hodge
The fiscal costs of this bill are enormous. Economic modelling around the deal suggested it could be worth up to $57 million, helping fund Richmond’s redevelopment of Punt Road Oval. This financial boost could be invaluable for a club that is not considered cash-strapped but can benefit from additional resources.
“This is not a cash-strapped club by any stretch. They’ll find a way, but an extra $1 million or $2 million for your club to work through something like this will help,” – Mitch Cleary
As Richmond continues to work through these conversations, they are projected to come to a final decision in the next few months. Fans may be understandably concerned given what they’ve seen at Marvel Stadium, and Tasmania does have a deep tradition. This focus on being more engaging to supporters and increasing attendance overall makes the proposal an inspiring long-term play for the club.
“The two biggest games ever attended down in Tassie, both include Richmond. They’ve got history down there, and this is something the Tigers will work through in the next couple of years.” – Mitch Cleary
