AFL Chaos as Jeremy Rockliff Faces No-Confidence Motion
Tasmania is facing a political firestorm that threatens to derail one of its most high-profile sporting projects — the long-awaited entry of the Tasmanian AFL team, the Tasmania Devils, into the national league. The crisis erupted after Tasmanian Labor filed a no-confidence motion against Premier Jeremy Rockliff, casting doubt over the future of the proposed Macquarie Point stadium and the AFL team’s licence.
The AFL’s newest franchise now finds itself fighting for survival, with its home stadium project, valued at over $945 million, at the centre of the turmoil. Rockliff, a long-time supporter of the stadium and the team, is under intense pressure as the Tasmanian parliament debates the motion that could trigger yet another state election.
At a deeply emotional press conference on Wednesday, Tasmania Devils official Kath McCann broke down in tears while addressing the uncertainty engulfing the club. “This club is powered by future generations,” she said, stepping away from the microphone to compose herself. “We want to see this team become a reality because our young people deserve it.”
Political Instability Threatens Stadium and Team
The fallout from the motion has sparked concern that the Devils — slated to enter the AFL in 2028 — may never make it to the field. The AFL has made it clear that a new stadium is a non-negotiable condition for the team’s entry. If the stadium project fails, so too could the team’s existence.
The Tasmanian parliament has become the centre of national attention. If the Jeremy Rockliff government falls and a new election is triggered, the Macquarie Point stadium could be scrapped altogether. Independent MP Kristie Johnston claims the Premier has used the AFL project as a political weapon.
“He likes to threaten members with things like withdrawing an AFL team or an election,” she said. “His budget is grossly mismanaged, his major project delivery is failing each and every time.”
Senator Jacqui Lambie has been among the most vocal critics of the AFL’s demands, stating that the stadium “is not viable” and urging the government to tell the AFL “the deal is a dud”.
Football Club Pleads for Stability
The Tasmanian AFL team, through the Tasmania Football Club, released a public statement on Wednesday highlighting the dangers of the current political climate.
“The political uncertainty that is currently unfolding in the Tasmanian parliament is of great concern to Tasmania Football Club,” it read. “Uncertainty presents a serious risk for jobs, investment and growth, and for the future of Tasmania Football Club.”
Despite the turmoil, the club reaffirmed its commitment to remaining above politics, but implored leaders to consider the broader impact of their decisions on the state’s future.
Kath McCann further warned about the damage to Tasmania’s image if the project is abandoned. “What this looks like is uncertainty, what this looks like is a risk to invest, what this looks like is a state that isn’t unified,” she said. “I think we’re better than that and our leaders need to think about the consequences of their actions.”
Dean Winter Sparks Leadership Showdown
The no-confidence motion was set in motion by Tasmanian Labor leader Dean Winter, who previously resisted backing such a move. During his budget reply, however, Winter pivoted dramatically, citing ballooning state debt under Rockliff’s leadership — now expected to reach $10.8 billion in four years.
Winter has since reiterated that Labor still supports both the stadium and the Tasmanian AFL team, saying in parliament: “There is no question whatsoever about the support for our AFL teams and a stadium.”
However, insiders believe the political chaos could permanently derail the project. ABC Sport’s Chris Rowbottom posted on X: “Tasmania’s AFL license hangs by the barest of threads. There’s an acceptance that an early election spells the end of any stadium, including alternate proposals, and the Devils.”
Tasmania’s AFL license hangs by the barest of threads.
Club boss Kath McCann broke down in tears at a press conference a short time ago.
There’s an acceptance that an early election spells the end of any stadium, including alternate proposals, and the Devils. @abcsport
— Chris Rowbottom (@chrisroww) June 4, 2025
AFL and Public Confidence Shaken
The Macquarie Point stadium has always been controversial. Initially budgeted at $755 million, the price tag has now blown out to nearly $1 billion. The Tasmanian state government has pledged $375 million, with the federal government adding $240 million and the AFL committing $15 million. That still leaves over $300 million unfunded.
Economist Nicholas Gruen warned that the stadium offers poor economic value, returning just 44 cents in benefit for every dollar spent.
“Tasmanians are at risk of paying too much for too little,” he said.
Despite bipartisan support for the project, the stadium’s future hinges on the next few days. Football reporter Sam Edmund summed it up bluntly: “Jeremy Rockliff looks doomed as Tasmania premier. The stadium — and therefore the Devils licence — now on very thin ice.”
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Tasmania’s Future Hangs on Leadership Outcome
As debate over the no-confidence motion continues, the fate of Tasmania’s AFL dream now rests with political leaders. Jeremy Rockliff, once the stadium’s strongest champion, may soon be out of power, putting the entire project — and Tasmania’s AFL hopes — in jeopardy.
For now, the Devils are urging political leaders to set aside differences and think of the long-term vision. As Kath McCann stated, “This is Plan A and there is no Plan B.”
