It seems fairly clear that Tassie people want an AFL team, but don't want the proposed stadium.
It also seems fairly clear that the AFL want a Tassie AFL team, only on the condition that it is formed around the provision of a modern boutique stadium.
Further, it seems clear that the decision re the stadium is being made so close to an election has made it a political watershed (i.e a dividing point for opinion).
Unfortunately, Tassie is currently a political minnow and its political storm feels like a tiny gust of wind in Canberra, and the state governments of Vic and NSW. And the "will of the people" is often irrelevant to people with decision making power, or influence over decision making.
Make no mistake, this is going to be exactly what the AFL want it to be - no compromise and no exceptions. By 2028 - 2030 there will be a huge modern stadium on that nominated location, with the AFL CEO standing shaking hands with a smiling/grimacing state premier talking about this being a great moment for the state.