SET FOR A SHIRTFRONT

AFL boss faces frosty reception in Tassie

AFL chief Gillon McLachlan’s public relations dash south in support of Tasmanian football could turn ugly — with calls growing for a real fix rather than lip-service to the state’s footy crisis.

Less than two weeks after claiming the AFL “had a really clear plan for Tasmania” and that the challenges facing the code here were bigger two years ago, Mr McLachlan has done a backflip. It was announced yesterday he would travel south “in the coming weeks” to see for himself the fallout from Devonport and Burnie’s recent with- drawals from the State League — breaking the pathway for North-West Coast juniors.

Premier Will Hodgman has demanded a meeting — and pledged to use it to call for more than just a fleeting visit.

The announcement of the trip came the day after the Mer

cury launched the Save Our Footy campaign to demand more funding and a proper plan for Tassie football from the AFL.

On Sunday — after the campaign was launched on the front page of the Sunday Tasmanian — new AFL Tasmania chief executive Trisha Squires held a press conference to demand the AFL give clear direction on the future of the TSL and the talent pathway.

She said yesterday she was looking forward to her meeting with Mr McLachlan — and anticipated a more detailed response to her demands soon.

“I will continue to advocate strongly for Tasmanian football,” Ms Squires said.

The Premier said he would “relish the opportunity to meet with the AFL to support the case for a better deal for Tassie footy”.

“I have previously argued strongly to get our fair share, and I will do it again,” he said. “I will lend my strong support to CEO Trisha Squires, and to ‘team Tasmania’ to make sure we get footy back on track.”

Opposition sports spokeswoman Michelle O’Byrne said she had also requested a meeting with Mr McLachlan.

“It’s a critical time for football in Tasmania and it’s important that the state presents a united front,” Ms O’Byrne said.

AFL spokesman Patrick Keane said Mr McLachlan’s trip followed Ms Squires “formally outlining her initial action points upon taking the role as CEO of AFL Tasmania”.

“The AFL has been briefed and will discuss the full detail of the whole submission,” he said.

“It is intended that Gillon McLachlan will travel to Tasmania to sit down with Trisha in the coming weeks.

“We congratulate Trish Squires for getting on the front foot and securing this meeting commitment from the AFL.”

The AFL gives the Tasmanian State League just $1 million in annual funding.