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[URL unfurl="true"]https://thewest.com.au/sport/afl/afl-ceo-andrew-dillon-shuts-down-talk-of-20th-afl-team-being-based-in-wa--c-14370252[/URL]

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon has poured cold water on the prospect of a third team in Western Australia.

Speaking at Friday’s Seven West Media Derby Lunch at Crown, Dillon said “a lot of work would have to be done” to introduce another team in the State.

With Tasmania set to enter the competition in 2028 there is speculation there will be a 20th licence granted. “I’m not that against an odd number of teams,” Dillon said. “Freo and West Coast work pretty well in Perth.”

West Australian Football Commission chair Wayne Martin earlier this year described a push for a third WA AFL team as “madness”, suggesting merging two Melbourne-based clubs as a means of re-equalising the fixture.

A consortium is believed to be interested in pulling together a Geraldton bid, while civic leaders in Joondalup, Mandurah, Bunbury and the South-West have also expressed interest.

“I think it’s madness,” Martin told The West Australian.

“There are a limited number of talented players and if you keep on adding clubs there would be an issue whether there is enough talent to sustain the standards at 20.

“I am not ruling 20 out, but I think in Western Australia there just aren’t enough businesses and people to support a third licence.”

Dillon also hinted at the prospect of a special event for WA, even floating an expansion of Gather Round.