“Tasmanians turned up in droves last year as we hosted a record 14 AFL games, including two historic finals, and we have proved time and again that if we have the big matches, Tasmanians will be there.”

Rockliff’s comments come as Hawthorn premiership coach Clarkson, currently in America, said he was learning about how the structure of the Green Bay Packers NFL operation could assist Tasmania’s bid.

Clarkson is spending time with the four-time Super Bowl champions in the city of Winconsin. He said similarities could be drawn between the NFL franchise and the proposed model for a club in Tasmania.

“I was really fortunate before Christmas to spend about three months in the Warriors program, and then I’ve got another three or four weeks here [at the Packers] now,” Clarkson told SEN this week.

“The reason I’m up in Green Bay now is we’re continuing on consolidating our work for Tasmania and doing some more research into what we can do to put a pitch forward to the AFL so that the 19th team is a good option for the competition.

“In terms of Tasmania and the model we’re trying to put to the AFL, in terms of the ownership and the equity model, then Green Bay is such a good club to research.

“Their whole culture and community and the way they play is so similar to the culture of Tasmania, there’s so much to learn over here.”

Clarkson said he did not believe Gutwein’s exit as state premier last month would hinder the Tasmanian push.

“We’re just getting on with the job and the only thing that’s going to stop us is the AFL Commission in July or August knocking us back,” he said.