Richmond set to host 'home' AFL fixture in Tasmania for the first time in club's history

In short:

Richmond will host a "home" AFL fixture in Tasmania in the 2026 and 2027 seasons.

The Tigers will continue to host 10 home fixtures at the MCG as well as a replacement 11th game for their members.

The deal means Richmond will not play any home games at Docklands Stadium, but will continue to play as the away team over the next two seasons.

Richmond will host a nominal home AFL game in Tasmania for the next two seasons for the first time in the club's history.

The Tigers will play in Hobart in a multi-million-dollar deal, continue to host 10 MCG home fixtures, as well as an 11th MCG replacement game for members.

The deal comes ahead of Tasmania's scheduled entrance into the AFL in 2028.

The move means Richmond will not play home games at Melbourne's Docklands Stadium, a venue poorly attended by Tigers fans, but will play away games over the next two seasons.

Richmond has been vocal about its dislike for Melbourne's secondary AFL venue, with former coach Damien Hardwick saying in 2021: "I hate coming here … our people don't come here, plain and simple."

Tigers chief Shane Dunne said the decision to play a nominal home game in Hobart was not taken lightly.

"Ultimately, it made sense on a number of levels," Dunne said in a statement on Monday.

"There are obviously commercial considerations, but the decision went well beyond that.

"Importantly, this deal will give our members access to 11 games at the MCG — 10 home games and a replacement game — as well as our game in Tasmania.

"From a football perspective, we are hopeful that we can align our VFL fixture to this game, creating another opportunity for our developing list to travel together.

"These are invaluable experiences that will support the growth of the group."

Dunne said the club would tap into lengthy links with Tasmania, with club greats including Matthew Richardson, Jack Riewoldt, Royce Hart, Ian Stewart, Michael Roach, Brendon Gale and current captain Toby Nankervis all hailing from the island state.

But it would hope for a better result than the 48-point thrashing it copped in the away game in Hobart at the hands of North Melbourne in round 23 this year.

AAP

The ABC of SPORT

Sports content to make you think... or allow you not to. A newsletter delivered each Saturday.

Click here to read article