Cochrane created waves earlier this month by criticising the Apple Isle's bid for a licence, labelling it "insanity" from a business point of view.

The Suns, who have won just four matches this season, meet fellow cellar-dwellers North Melbourne at Hobart's Blundstone Arena on Saturday.

Gutwein described Cochrane as "one of the few detractors" of a Tasmanian side in the making.

"When he is here at Blundstone, and I understand he is coming, we as Tasmanians get the opportunity to show him first hand our passion for the game," Gutwein told state parliament on Thursday.

"Whilst I understand that the Suns aren't the most successful team ... I would make the point that we need to turn up on Saturday.

"There'll be a chance for all Tasmanians to go along to very politely, but very loudly, boo Tony."

Fans turned out in force at Launceston last weekend, with a sold out crowd of just under 15,000 watching traditional rivals Essendon and Hawthorn go head-to-head.

It was the first time the Bombers had played a top-line game in Tasmania since 1992.

Backers of an island state side have said the crowd figure, the highest of the round, is proof there is a strong appetite for top-line AFL in Tasmania.

Tasmania often welcomes lesser-drawing non-Melbourne sides as opponents to Hawthorn and North Melbourne, who are contracted to host four games each in the state per season.

State government negotiations with the two clubs for a 2022 arrangement are currently on ice pending greater clarity from AFL headquarters on a stand-alone side.

AFL commissioner and former Geelong President Colin Carter is assessing the business plan for a Tasmanian side and is expected to finalise a report by mid-July.

Australian Associated Press