NORTH Melbourne is chasing a $1 million AFL blockbuster in Hobart next year with Victorian powerhouses Richmond and Geelong top of the Kangas’ wish list.

The Kangaroos were beaming after the Hobart City Council voted overwhelmingly on Monday night to financially support the club’s three games a season in Hobart over the next two years.

North wants one of those games to be a marquee occasion, possibly a twilight or night match early in the season.

Before the AFL’s rostering request deadline closed on August 12, North Melbourne is believed to have asked for a date with either the Tigers or Cats.

Cricket Tasmania boss Tony Harrison, who was instrumental in bringing AFL to Blundstone Arena, said he was not surprised Richmond was in the Kangaroos’ sights.

There will be huge potential for North Melbourne here next year with the additional capacity of the ground, so we certainly support them in trying to get big games here

“Long before North Melbourne came into the picture, Richmond was the first club I approached to come down to play AFL games at Blundstone Arena,” Mr Harrison said.

“The AFL then got involved and told us that Richmond would not be coming down and that’s when North Melbourne got involved.”

With Blundstone’s $32 million redevelopment due to be officially opened in January, the ground’s capacity will swell from 15,000 to 20,000 for AFL games next year, which includes 5000 extra seats and more than double its corporate capacity.

A blockbuster match would more than likely see the Kangaroos cash in with a $1 million payday.

“There will be huge potential for North Melbourne here next year with the additional capacity of the ground, so we certainly support them in trying to get big games here,” Harrison said.

“We’ve done all right so far, with teams like West Coast, Sydney Swans and Adelaide already playing here.”

Hawthorn and the popular Tigers hold the record for the biggest crowd at an AFL game at Aurora Stadium 20,971 set in 2006.

North Melbourne was holding its cards close to its chest yesterday about its requests to the AFL.

The club was over the moon about getting the green light at the HCC meeting for three games in Hobart for the next two years.

“We are thrilled with the outcome of last night’s meeting and congratulate the council on its decision to back North Melbourne through to the end of 2016,” North CEO Carl Dilena said.

“The council has been very diligent in assessing the economic and social benefits for the city of Hobart and we commend it on its rigorous approach.

“The potential to play three games a year in Hobart is a very exciting prospect for North Melbourne, Tasmanian footy fans, local businesses and the broader community.”

North is not only committed to playing football in Hobart, but also places great importance on engaging with its fans in the southern state.

“Playing games in Hobart is a real highlight for the club and we have worked extremely hard with all involved to ensure that we not only provide a valuable asset for the region and the club, but also continue to give back to the community through our various community programs,” Mr Dilena said.

“Our relationships in Hobart will only go from strength to strength in the coming years and we look forward to sitting down with all involved to map out the details.

“While we will naturally seek to provide exciting and entertaining football content in Hobart, we are also keen to ensure we maximise the economic and social benefits for all Hobart residents.”