Tasmania Devils Stadium Update
Construction of the $1.13 billion, 23,000-seat stadium for the Tasmania Devils AFL team is now projected to conclude "towards the end of 2030." This timeline suggests the team will likely begin playing in the new venue in 2031, a shift from the initially hoped-for 2029 debut.
The new stadium is expected to open in 2031, with the team playing in temporary venues for their first three seasons.
The Tasmania Devils are scheduled to enter the AFL in the 2028 season. For their first three seasons, the team is expected to play at Hobart's Bellerive Oval and Launceston's York Park. The AFL funding agreement explicitly stipulates that the stadium must be built before the start of 2031, a timeline that Macquarie Point Development Corporation CEO, Anne Beach, has confirmed they are adhering to.
Currently, testing of the stadium's translucent roof is underway by cricketers. This initiative aims to ensure a safe playing environment and potentially pave the way for the world's first indoor Test match.
Mick Malthouse Questions Carlton's Handling of Sam Docherty
Former Carlton coach Mick Malthouse has voiced disagreement with the club's recent decision to ban player Sam Docherty from a function. The ban followed Docherty's critical comments about the club, which were aired on a podcast without his explicit permission.
Docherty is also not scheduled to hold any official role with the Blues until at least their Round 6 match. Malthouse questioned the club's response, stating that it appeared to be a "tit for tat" reaction rather than a more considered approach.
"It appeared to be a 'tit for tat' reaction rather than a more considered approach," Malthouse stated regarding Carlton's decision.
While acknowledging that Docherty's comments were inappropriate, Malthouse suggested that the player's long-standing contribution to the club should make the incident "redeemable."
AFL Unveils Revised Illicit Drugs Policy
The AFL is implementing significant changes to its illicit drugs policy, moving away from the current 'strikes' system. The revamped policy will introduce a more detailed, regular hair-testing model, which possesses a detection window of up to three months, a considerable increase compared to urine testing's detection window of just a few days.
For the first time, AFLW players will be included under this new illicit drugs policy.
Under the new rules, a single positive sample will result in the player being immediately removed from the game. They will then be placed into a medical management and education program. Players may also be required to make a financial contribution towards their treatment. The new policy is anticipated to be finalized with the AFL Players' Association in the coming weeks.