FINALS FEVER IN TSL, SFL

FREE-TO-AIR coverage and access to Champion Data stats would take the TSL to the next level, says outgoing Burnie playing-coach Clint Proctor.

Proctor has stepped down as Dockers coach after three years in charge because his body is unable to cope with the demands of playing anymore and a job opportunity with Good Sports Australia back home in Melbourne.

He took the Dockers to consecutive preliminary finals before a regeneration saw Burnie finish last this year with just two wins.

Proctor said it was a privilege to coach the Dockers and believes the TSL was heading in the right direction

“It is so professional, it is really well run, there are some terrific coaches in all football clubs and I think the product up there along with the NEAFL, you can see that in the results,” Proctor said.

“Hopefully, the community and Tasmania as a state can understand the future and the direction [TSL general manager Carl Saunder] and the guys there want to go in.

“There is no doubt it is the place for kids to come through if they want to be drafted or play at the highest level.”

But he said a couple of small changes could improve the competition, with access to Champion Data stats and more exposure.

“You cannot beat primetime TV,” he said.

“You look at the VFL, NEAFL and all those state competitions, this is the only one that doesn’t have that spot on a Saturday afternoon. Kids grow up watching the AFL on TV, imagine them watching the TSL. All of a sudden you might find it starts gaining the respect it deserves.

“Obviously, finances are a concern there but there is no doubt there would be a significant shift in the way footy viewed itself it was given live air on Southern Cross or WIN.”