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In-stadium commentary at Mt SmartGale: If the stadium isn’t delivered, there’s no Devils
SEN • May 23rd, 2025 7:25 pm
Tasmania Devils CEO Brendon Gale has reiterated that the side will not join the AFL unless a new stadium is constructed amid recent developments of increasing costs.
It was recently reported that the planned process for the stadium was set to cost the Tasmanian Government over a million dollars, far more than the original estimation proposed during the club’s initiation. This in turn has further increased vocal opposition of the government's expenditure surrounding the club's inauguration to the AFL.
Despite an election in Montgomery tomorrow set to play a major role in the passing of the stadium’s legislation, Gale remains confident that the plans will go ahead.
“There’s a parliamentary process in place,” Gale told SEN’s The Run Home.
“There’s some legislation about to be introduced to parliament, it will be debated and scrutinised. I’s a big investment for Tasmania, that process will run its course and in early July there’ll be a vote, and it needs to clear both houses of parliament.
“I’ll let the process run its course, our job is to build a team and build an organisation to back that team. This is a compelling opportunity for the state of Tasmania, it’s a once in a generation opportunity that will never happen again, so on that basis I’m confident.
“I take nothing for granted, but the conditions of this team being fulfilled is the delivery of a stadium.
“If a stadium isn’t delivered, there is not team. It’s as simple as that. That’s a relatively uncontroversial comment, that has been the case since day one, so people shouldn’t be surprised at that.
“The consequence is a real one, and they’re there for everyone to see.”
Despite the growing speculation over costs and development, Gale is confident that the Tasmanian people will stand firm on their desire to deliver a successful AFL team.
“Since I’ve been there, I’ve travelled broadly throughout the state,” he continued.
“The feeling is extremely positive and it’s exciting. We are already seeing the dividends and huge increase in participation and in teams and Auskick.
“It’s really positive, it’s a big investment in a relatively small state, it’s an investment the Government is making because it provides multiple opportunities for generations to come.
“Not just sport, but the economic impact, the social impact, the cultural impact, it will transform this state.
“There are some people who oppose it, and they are well organised, and they are vocal, and that’s their right, but I just feel that there is a huge majority that probably don’t have a say, because they’re just not used to it and they’re busy in their own lives.
“I think there’s a silent majority in support, and this is about the generation of youngsters who don’t have a vote. It’s about them, it’s about kids it’s about grandkids and their futures as well.
“This is a generational opportunity that will never come again, and I’m confident that the Tasmanian people will back it.”
Beyond the stadium talk, Gale also confirmed his discussions with former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley, doubling down on the club’s interest however stating that those talks have taken a back seat for the present time.
“The priority is what we’ve been discussing,” Gale said.
“We’ve got to get through this threshold, and once we do our conditional license becomes unconditional.
“We’re at the start line, we’re away, it makes those discussions more meaningful.
“Bucks is an incredible football person and a fine coach, as is Ken Hinkley. Bucks, I’m on the record of saying that I spoke with him late last year, more to pick his brains and test his thinking and see where he’s at.
“The appropriate time there will be more of those discussions with some really capable operators in due course, but not an immediate priority.”
With the entirety of the club's future leaning on the election over Macquarie Point, Gale has urged that voters and vocal opposition think big.
"This is our opportunity to secure our rightful place in our biggest national sport after years, after decades of exclusion," he pleaded.
"We need to lift our sights and think big. We need to invest and grow.
"As I said, (this is) a once in a generation opportunity for all Tasmanians. This will put Tasmania on a different course, and we will never get this opportunity again."
