Latest news with #TasmaniaDevils
Sydney Morning Herald
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
AFL shouldn't be spooked by NRL's Origin behemoth as it weighs up mid-year competition
Whether the AFL proceeds with the concept of a mid-year competition, separate from the home-and-away season, it is clear that there is a wish to generate – or maintain – interest for teams that are losing or have lost the finals fight. It is completely reasonable to consider an NBA-style tournament, which, in effect, might represent a reprise of the old night series – the Ansett Cup was one version – that sat inside the regular season. It is not to this column's jaded taste, and I doubt that most fans will support a mid-year tournament, given their innate opposition to radical reforms. Many, however, will favour the parallel proposal, as The Age's Sam McClure reported, of a regular season that is cut back to 20 games, when the Tasmania Devils arrives, with one game added for rivalry round (showdowns, derbies, blockbusters in Melbourne) and another for Gather Round. The Devils' scheduled entry in 2028 provides a great opportunity to re-shape the fixture. It was this recognition that framed the proposal. The old night series had some value – and was even taken semi-seriously by clubs. Kevin Sheedy certainly used to cite night premierships on his resume, as did Denis Pagan. But the franchise diminished over time, as night footy became entrenched in the 'real' season, and it dwindled further into irrelevance once the good teams used it merely as a vehicle to prepare for the season proper. What the AFL and some clubs have recognised, though, is that their competition does not have any meaningful prize besides the premiership cup (the same applies to the AFLW); Michael Voss, unlike Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham, does not have another trophy on the line to salve his reputation/job (not that it saved Ange).
The Age
07-07-2025
- Sport
- The Age
AFL shouldn't be spooked by NRL's Origin behemoth as it weighs up mid-year competition
Whether the AFL proceeds with the concept of a mid-year competition, separate from the home-and-away season, it is clear that there is a wish to generate – or maintain – interest for teams that are losing or have lost the finals fight. It is completely reasonable to consider an NBA-style tournament, which, in effect, might represent a reprise of the old night series – the Ansett Cup was one version – that sat inside the regular season. It is not to this column's jaded taste, and I doubt that most fans will support a mid-year tournament, given their innate opposition to radical reforms. Many, however, will favour the parallel proposal, as The Age's Sam McClure reported, of a regular season that is cut back to 20 games, when the Tasmania Devils arrives, with one game added for rivalry round (showdowns, derbies, blockbusters in Melbourne) and another for Gather Round. The Devils' scheduled entry in 2028 provides a great opportunity to re-shape the fixture. It was this recognition that framed the proposal. The old night series had some value – and was even taken semi-seriously by clubs. Kevin Sheedy certainly used to cite night premierships on his resume, as did Denis Pagan. But the franchise diminished over time, as night footy became entrenched in the 'real' season, and it dwindled further into irrelevance once the good teams used it merely as a vehicle to prepare for the season proper. What the AFL and some clubs have recognised, though, is that their competition does not have any meaningful prize besides the premiership cup (the same applies to the AFLW); Michael Voss, unlike Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham, does not have another trophy on the line to salve his reputation/job (not that it saved Ange).
Sydney Morning Herald
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘Corporate bullies': Essendon boss warned AFL over stadium roof demand
Essendon president David Barham told the AFL commission that the league would be seen as 'corporate bullies' should Tasmania fail in its bid to secure the competition's 19th team. In a passionate address, Barham urged the game's bosses to reconsider their insistence upon a roof for the stadium that is a condition of Tasmania's AFL licence. Barham's warning came at the most recent meeting between the Richard Goyder-chaired commission and the 18 club presidents on June 10. Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff asked for a snap election on the same day. Barham said if the Tasmania Devils were refused a licence because the state could not win public support for a stadium with a roof, the AFL would be perceived nationally as corporate bullies. Barham told the game's bosses they had an image problem in Tasmania, and that their brand was poor in the island state. He said the commission should consider putting the prospect of a stadium roof on hold for three to five years at the proposed controversial Macquarie Point development. He also reminded the competition bosses that the AFL was Australia's national game and that the code should remain the priority. While no other presidents or commissioners spoke strongly in opposition to Barham, it remains unclear how many other clubs would be prepared to give ground on a roof. This would potentially pave the way in a cost sense for extra seating at the stadium, which is slated for a capacity of 23,000.
The Age
27-06-2025
- Politics
- The Age
‘Corporate bullies': Essendon boss warned AFL over stadium roof demand
Essendon president David Barham told the AFL commission that the league would be seen as 'corporate bullies' should Tasmania fail in its bid to secure the competition's 19th team. In a passionate address, Barham urged the game's bosses to reconsider their insistence upon a roof for the stadium that is a condition of Tasmania's AFL licence. Barham's warning came at the most recent meeting between the Richard Goyder-chaired commission and the 18 club presidents on June 10. Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff asked for a snap election on the same day. Barham said if the Tasmania Devils were refused a licence because the state could not win public support for a stadium with a roof, the AFL would be perceived nationally as corporate bullies. Barham told the game's bosses they had an image problem in Tasmania, and that their brand was poor in the island state. He said the commission should consider putting the prospect of a stadium roof on hold for three to five years at the proposed controversial Macquarie Point development. He also reminded the competition bosses that the AFL was Australia's national game and that the code should remain the priority. While no other presidents or commissioners spoke strongly in opposition to Barham, it remains unclear how many other clubs would be prepared to give ground on a roof. This would potentially pave the way in a cost sense for extra seating at the stadium, which is slated for a capacity of 23,000.
Herald Sun
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Herald Sun
TV wrap: What you missed on TV on Monday night
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News. Premiership coach Chris Fagan says he has been sounded out to coach the Tasmania Devils but has no interest in a senior job once he finishes with the Brisbane Lions. Fagan is contracted with the Lions until the end of 2027, which would make it 11 years in charge, spearheaded by the 2024 premiership. A proud Tasmanian, Fagan has always been at the top of a wishlist to coach the Devils, should they enter the competition in 2028. But he said he would likely move to Melbourne to be closer to his daughters and grandchildren once he finishes at the Lions and wouldn't be tempted to coach another AFL team. 'I've been sounded out a little bit about coaching the team but I don't really want to coach after I'm finished at Brisbane,' he told Channel 7's Agenda Setters. 'I'd rather help someone else out. I have always thought that was my best role in footy: helping somebody else out. 'If an opportunity came up there that fitted in with my lifestyle and I could do it properly, then I would consider it but that may or may not happen.' AFL Jamarra Ugle-Hagan's difficult year has taken another bizarre turn, with the star Dog alleging on Instagram that his car had been stolen from Port Melbourne. AFL AFL fans have been left divided after a TV broadcast giant's 'uncomfortable' move during Carlton's shock loss to North Melbourne.
