Political instability around new Tasmania team ‘puts a dampener’ on announcement

Matthew Lloyd admits the current political instability around the new Tasmanian AFL team has “put a dampener” on the unveiling of its name and colours.

The team, which is slated to come into the competition in 2028 will be called the ‘Devils’, has been in the middle of a political tug-of-war over the $713m stadium slated to be built in Hobart.

Lloyd said the uncertainty around whether then upcoming election could see the stadium scrapped has tempered the excitement around the AFL’s 19th team.

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“I should be more excited I would think when a new team comes into the competition,” he told Wide World of Sports.

“But because of the (political) drama around it…it’s put a bit of a dampener on it for me.

“The worry for me is they’re struggling in all aspects of the game.”

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