THE Tasmanian football community knows it has to fight to keep St Kilda playing at Launceston's Aurora Stadium past its 2007 contract, says AFL Tasmania.
AFL Tasmania general manager Scott Wade was responding to comments by former top state administrator Doug Davey.
In yesterday's edition of The Mercury, Davey said the now powerful Saints would probably ditch the state to play in front of bigger crowds in Melbourne.
Wade said the St Kilda deal, under which two games a season are underwritten for $300,000 each, was a matter for the State Government
"I don't think there is any doubt it will be a tough challenge for Tasmania to secure St Kilda," Wade said.
The State Government did not respond to inquiries on the issue yesterday.
Wade did not agree with Davey's views that the Devils should play all their home VFL games at Bellerive Oval.
He said the Devils would continue to play in Launceston and on the North-West Coast.
"There is a view within the football club that we need to consolidate a home base," he said.
"We are happy at North Hobart and we have got a great relationship with the Hobart City Council.
"However, you just can't ignore a $20 million-plus stadium over the river that has fantastic facilities.
"Unless there is some enormous investment at North Hobart, it is going to be difficult - if the opportunity exists - for the Devils to ignore Bellerive in the long term."
By: BRETT STUBBS
Last Modified on 21/05/2005 11:24