Ben Amarfio says North Melbourne won’t consider relocation to Tasmania, following comments from Hawthorn President Jeff Kennett that his club would.

“Our footy club has been in North Melbourne for over 150 years. We are invested in staying at Arden Street and looking forward to being an active participant with the Victorian government and the City of Melbourne in the exciting development going on in this precinct,” the North CEO told The Age.

The Kangaroos and Hawks have expiring deals to play in the state, with Tasmanian premier Peter Gutwein refusing to negotiate extensions until the AFL provides a timeline on the establishment of a standalone Tasmanian team.

Amarfio said the Kangaroos supported Tasmania’s push for a team but said there were many considerations.

“We have to be realistic and prudent. In the past 24 hours alone we have had two more AFL clubs announce significant financial losses and debt. Any expansion of the AFL competition must be assessed with the wellbeing of the competition in mind and against the backdrop of the ravaging effects of the COVID response,” he said.