Tasmania’s AFL team will soon reveal its colors, logo and jumper design amid a state election campaign that could deliver further political curveballs.

There’s a belief politics and sport shouldn’t mix.

But it is too late to untangle Tasmania’s AFL club with a contentious stadium plan set for a parliamentary vote and an early state election that could deliver further curveballs.

The island state was granted the league’s 19th licence in May, ending a decades-long battle for inclusion in the national competition.

It came with a condition: the construction of a 23,000-seat roofed stadium, estimated to cost $715 million, at Macquarie Point on Hobart’s waterfront.

Liberal then-premier Peter Gutwein first publicly spruiked the idea of a new multi-purpose stadium, briefly slated to be built at nearby Regatta Point, in March 2022.

Government officials have said they couldn’t pinpoint when the government agreed a stadium was a prerequisite for a club bid, but indicated it had been from “day one”.

A lack of transparency over the AFL deal was among the reasons Liberals John Tucker and Lara Alexander quit the party in May, a decision that plunged the government into minority.

When Premier Jeremy Rockliff couldn’t resolve a stand-off with the pair earlier this year, he called an election for March 23.

The club, expected to enter the league in 2028, had already set March 18 as the launch of its colours, logo and jumper.

It has remained steadfast with the date, despite Rockliff saying it was his preference for the event to be delayed to avoid “politicisation”.

He won’t attend the launch, which includes simultaneous events in Hobart, Launceston, Devonport, Oatlands, St Helens and Queenstown.

“It was a no-brainer to confirm the 18th (of March),” Tasmania Football Club chair Grant O’Brien told SEN radio last week.

“We’re really focused on building the club and keeping to the commitments we’ve made.”

All signs point to the Devils as a mascot, with discussions with Warner Bros about an agreement to use the moniker reportedly reaching a resolution.

The Liberals, who have been in power for a decade, pledged to cap their spend on the stadium at $375 million, indicating private investment would be sought to cover overruns.

Federal Labor has promised $240 million and the AFL $15 million, with a further $85 million proposed to come from borrowings against land sale or lease for commercial uses.

State Labor has labelled the stadium “bad” for the state, but says it supports a Tasmanian team.

Labor Leader Rebecca White has promised to try to renegotiate the deal with the AFL, but hasn’t detailed what her terms would be.

The AFL has remained unmoved about the Macquarie Point stadium being a requirement.

Labor trails the Liberals in opinion polls, which have suggested neither party will be able to form government in majority.

Independents and Jacqui Lambie Network candidates, who could hold crucial crossbench positions, have mixed views on the stadium.

The Greens are opposed.

As part of an arrangement the Liberals garnered with Tucker and Alexander, the stadium project must be voted through both houses of parliament to get the green light.

There is also the emergence of “Stadium 2.0” – a different waterfront stadium championed by a former Labor premier.

The Liberals have labelled it a “nice idea that won’t happen”.

Concept designs of the Macquarie Point stadium are expected to be released in June.

O’Brien, at pains to point out a March launch was flagged six months ago, has been keen to separate the club from political drama.

“It’s been a joy to bring to life the stories, passion and ideas from our recent survey and community events,” he said in a statement to AAP.

“We are incredibly eager to share with Tasmanians the club designs shaped by the community.

“The next month presents an exciting chapter in our club’s history and … our state’s football journey.”