Richmond could take one of their home games interstate next season, with Tasmania and New South Wales both pitching to host the Tigers in 2026.
CEO Shane Dunne confirmed that discussions are ongoing as the club looks for ways to support its $85 million Punt Road redevelopment.
The Tigers, who currently hold the AFL’s second-largest membership base, are adamant any move would only proceed with member approval, football department backing, and a guarantee of 10 home fixtures at the MCG.
MORE: 'Shown great courage': AFL responds to Mitch Brown's historic announcement
Members’ view crucial to decision
Dunne said the first approach came from Hobart after North Melbourne’s exit left a gap in the Tasmanian fixture. “We didn’t bat it away straight away. We said we are happy to listen and see what the offer is – we still haven’t received a formal offer – but we have explored it a little bit further,” Dunne told AFL.com.au.
He added that GWS had also lobbied for the Tigers to host a game at the SCG. “There is certainly some interest from the Giants to do that to help grow the game and to be on a different stage. I think there is merit to both options from a league point of view,” he said.
For supporters, the sticking point appears to be Marvel Stadium rather than interstate travel. “The overwhelming sentiment from our members is: if it replaces a Marvel game, do it. For whatever reason, our fans see Marvel as an away game,” Dunne said.
With a further $25 million still to be raised to complete stage two of the Swinburne Centre redevelopment, the lure of a lucrative deal interstate may prove too good to resist, even for a club built on its MCG fortress.