- Bids are being prepared as the AFL considers establishing a 20th team
- Comes as Tasmanian Devils will become the 19th franchise in 2028
- Venue outside footy heartland has thrown its hat into the ring
Expansion of the AFL could happen sooner than many football fans expect – and Canberra could become a shock choice as the league’s 20th franchise.
With the Tasmanian Devils set to enter the competition in 2028, the likes of South Australia’s Norwood, the Northern Territory and a reported ‘Perth consortium’ will submit bids alongside the ACT.
The nation’s capital already boasts full-time sporting organizations such as the Raiders (NRL) and Brumbies (Super Pacific Rugby) – and prominent behind-the-scenes figures are also said to be eyeing an AFL team in the long term.
Norwood – a powerful club that plays in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL) – will host two AFL matches during this weekend’s Gather Round.
After their bid to join the AFL was overlooked in the 1990s, the ‘Redlegs’ believe they already are.
Expansion in the AFL could happen sooner than many footy fans think (pictured, the Tasmania Devils jersey, with the club joining the competition in 2028)
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon stressed that ‘expansion must be done in a sustainable way’
They also have renowned local companies Wolf Blass and Coopers as major sponsors.
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said he was aware of the club’s interest in securing its twentieth licence.
“They have a great foundation, a great history and they are doing great things in the SANFL,” he said.
‘I think a lot of people like the even numbers, but there’s nothing that says they have to (have 20 teams).
“What we (AFL) want to do, as we expand… we want to do it in a sustainable way.”
Dillon also added that the code is aimed at ensuring the Tasmanian Devils are ready to hit the ground running before entering the competition.
It is understood that the club already has a whopping 170,000 members.