The construction of the modern Macquarie Point stadium in Hobart was meant to symbolize a new era for Australian rules football in Tasmania. However, discussions are increasingly shifting away from sporting ambitions toward rising costs, possible delays, and growing tension among AFL clubs.

Macquarie Point stadium still without a builder

The Macquarie Point Stadium project is currently in the tender phase. Among the companies interested in delivering the development are Watpac, which recently completed Christchurch’s new stadium in New Zealand, and international infrastructure giant Webuild.

Despite advanced discussions, no contract has yet been signed with a main construction company. But while officials continue negotiations, you do not have to wait any longer — take part in Australia’s most winnable million-dollar lottery, check your lotto results, and enjoy the chance of a big win.

According to sources involved in Tasmania’s AFL negotiations, there are growing fears that the league may eventually be forced to soften its long-standing position tying the Devils’ entry into the competition to the completion of the roofed stadium. The AFL has officially maintained that its position remains unchanged.

Construction costs continue to rise

The Macquarie Point Stadium project was initially valued at around AUD 715 million. Today, estimated costs have already surpassed the billion-dollar mark, with the latest public projections placing the figure at approximately AUD 1.13 billion.

Industry experts say the situation is being complicated further by instability in global markets. Rising fuel and freight prices linked to tensions in the Middle East are increasing the risk of additional cost blowouts. National Civil Contractors Federation chief Nicholas Proud even warned that diesel price increases alone could add another AUD 50 million to the overall budget.

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AFL Clubs Becoming Increasingly Concerned

Although most AFL clubs publicly supported Tasmania’s long campaign for its own team, skepticism is reportedly growing behind closed doors. According to Australian media reports, seven of nine surveyed clubs believe the 19th AFL licence is becoming increasingly unattractive from a financial perspective.

Club presidents fear that budget overruns or construction delays could ultimately affect the entire league financially. Potential consequences could include reduced distributions to clubs or additional AFL funding being required to support the project.

Another controversial topic is the package of draft concessions granted to the Tasmania Devils. The club received exceptionally strong selections in the 2027 national draft, including picks 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13. This significantly impacts the transfer strategies of rival clubs and reduces the future value of draft picks across the competition.

Tasmania Devils still targeting 2028 AFL debut

Despite the growing controversy, both the AFL and the Tasmanian government continue to insist that the new club will enter the league as planned in the 2028 season. Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff says the project is hugely important for the entire region and is already generating strong interest among fans. The Devils are currently competing in the VFL, where they are building their identity ahead of joining the AFL.

The problem, however, is that the Macquarie Point stadium itself is not expected to be completed until around 2031. According to several experts, the construction timeline is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain.

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A symbolic project for Tasmania

The new waterfront stadium in Hobart is intended to be far more than just a sports venue. Regional authorities see the investment as a catalyst for economic growth, tourism, and urban development. From the very beginning, however, the project has sparked major debate — both because of its enormous price tag and the challenge of building a state-of-the-art roofed stadium in a relatively small sporting market.

The coming months could prove decisive for the future of the entire project. If costs continue to rise and the tender process drags on, pressure from AFL clubs is likely to intensify even further.