Richmond chief executive Brendon Gale wants Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to consider the "seismic impact" a new AFL club would have on Tasmania when weighing up whether to help fund Hobart's proposed new stadium.
The Tasmanian Liberal government has promised to foot half the bill for the $750 million project, which would see a 23,000-seat venue built at Macquarie Point.
But the federal Labor government is yet to make a decision on whether it will contribute, or how significant its contribution will be.
Stadium funding is the major road block between Tasmania and a 19th licence, with the AFL adamant a new venue must be part of the deal.
Originally from Tasmania, Gale said an AFL team would have far-reaching benefits for the state and highlighted the Socceroos' recent success when pointing out that sport has the power to unite communities.
"I think it would be wonderful for football, it would be wonderful for the AFL, but I think there would be incredible outcomes for health, participation in sport, education and a whole range of other factors in Tasmania," Gale said.
"I think the impact would be seismic for the state. That's what I would be saying to Anthony Albanese."
There has been some opposition to Tasmania's bid from existing AFL clubs, with Collingwood president Jeff Browne last week suggesting that awarding a 19th licence now would be "premature".
But Gale rejected suggestions Tasmania's bid is losing momentum, saying there is "very strong support" from AFL clubs.
Richmond are already on record as being supportive of Tasmania.
"I think the AFL clubs have generally felt there's a legitimate right for Tasmania to be included in the competition and I think that has been supported by a very, very strong and thorough business case," Gale said.
"I think we have a willing partner in the (Tasmanian) state government who is willing to invest in the vicinity of three quarters of a billion dollars over the life of the term, so it's significant.
"There's some local politics playing out with the stadium and I'm not too sure where it's going to end up, but I think there's a lot of enthusiasm."
