Richmond Tigers will play a nominal home game in Tasmania for the upcoming two seasons as part of a multi-million dollar agreement. This decision allows the Tigers to play in Hobart while still maintaining their schedule of 10 home games at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and an additional MCG game designated for members.
The agreement comes ahead of the anticipated entry of the Tasmania Devils into the Australian Football League (AFL) in 2028. Notably, this arrangement means that Richmond will not be competing in home games at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, a venue that has previously seen low attendance from Tigers supporters. Former coach Damien Hardwick expressed his dissatisfaction with the venue back in 2021, stating, “I hate coming here … our people don”t come here, plain and simple.” Nevertheless, Richmond will still participate as the away team at this location during the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
Shane Dunne, the club”s chief executive, emphasized that the choice to host a nominal home game in Tasmania was made after careful consideration. “Ultimately it made sense on a number of levels,” Dunne mentioned in a statement on Monday. “There are obviously commercial considerations, but the decision went well beyond that.” He highlighted that the deal ensures members have access to 11 games at the MCG, including 10 home games and one replacement game, alongside their match in Tasmania.
From a sporting perspective, Dunne expressed optimism about aligning their Victorian Football League (VFL) fixture with the game in Tasmania, which would provide valuable experiences for the team”s developing roster. “These are invaluable experiences that will support the growth of the group,” he stated.
Richmond plans to leverage its long-standing connections to Tasmania, noting that many club legends, such as Matthew Richardson, Jack Riewoldt, Royce Hart, Ian Stewart, Michael Roach, Brendon Gale, and current captain Toby Nankervis, hail from the island state. However, the club is looking forward to a more favorable outcome than the 48-point loss it suffered against North Melbourne in their recent away game in Hobart during round 23 of this season.
