Tassie AFL champs Alastair Lynch and Jack Riewoldt say the Devils need a megastar leader
The search is on for an “iconic coach” to lead Tasmania into the AFL from 2028 - what Tassie champs have to say about the hunt
TASMANIA’S new-born AFL team must have a master coach to attract talent from around Australia and lead it through its first few seasons and Richmond’s Tassie Tiger Jack Riewoldt would jump at the chance to be part of the team.
Not as a player, he will be long retired when Tasmania hits the ground in 2028, but in any capacity he can get.
Standing on North Hobart Oval, the epicentre of Tasmanian football tradition, Riewoldt said there could not have been a more fitting location for the official announcement of Tasmania’s 19th licence.
“I’ve only got to look through the crowd today to see the people who invested in me and I played my last game of Tassie footy right here on this ground _ I was lucky enough to win a premiership with the mighty Clarence Football Club,” Riewoldt said.
“There is certainly a wealth for me to repay back to Tasmania, in whatever form that is, I’ll be jumping at the opportunity.
“That’s what Tasmanians will do. They are littered across the AFL and AFLW in many different roles _ players, administrators, assistant-coaches, coaches, commentators. They will be putting their hand up to give back to the state that has given them so much.
“The formation [of the team] will be an exciting project for Tasmanians but also for people to relocate and come down here are be part of setting up that 19th licence.”
The enormity of the announcement was not lost on Lynch.
“This is the biggest moment in Tasmanian football, guaranteed,” Lynch said.
“You look at some of the most iconic names in AFL football are Tasmanians, and that has all contributed to this day and it’s a huge day for Tassie.”
It will need an experienced coach like his former Brisbane premiership mentor Leigh Matthews.
“It’s important in a number of roles to have experienced people to lead the club off the field as well as on the field,” Lynch said.
“They are really key appointments and you’d look at player attraction and retention as well.
“To have a high-class facility is critical. You learn from the Suns and GWS to take what works and enhance that, avoid what didn’t work.
“We’ve got to build the facilities, get the right CEO in early, and develop the pathway.
“If you could get an iconic figure like Leigh, or someone who has been successful in the system, so as soon as a player gets their name called out they can’t wait to get down here train at that facility and play under that coach. It’s essential.”
Tasmanian AFLW star, North Melbourne defender Nicole Bresnehan, said it was a great day for Tasmania’s aspiring female players.
“Talent is going to stay in Tassie now and that’s the really exciting thing,” Bresnehan said.
“When the under-18 girls finish playing in the Coates Talent League they can be drafted to a Tasmanian in 2028 and it shows them a really clear pathway.”
Originally published as Tassie AFL champs Alastair Lynch and Jack Riewoldt say the Devils need a megastar leader
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