TSL clubs turn up heat
Presidents confident AFL will provide better model
TASMANIAN State League clubs have turned up the heat on AFL Tasmania and the AFL’s steering committee and believe they are getting results.
On Thursday, the seven club presidents met with select members of the steering committee where they were informed it was either the TSL or a Tasmanian team in the VFL or NEAFL, but not both.
They were also informed there was no extra money available if the TSL does con- tinue and the TSL’s annual $1.3 million budget would be redirected to the VFL/NEAFL team should that be the proffered model.
Yesterday, the clubs released a joint statement backing the state league and outlining their beliefs as to why it would be a mistake to ditch the TSL.
Almost immediately, the phones began to ring from AFL Tasmania, with the con- tinuation of the TSL supporting a VFL/NEAFL team back on the table, North Hobart president Craig Martin said.
“I have had a really constructive conversation with (AFL Tasmania chief executive) Trisha Squires this morning and I get the sense from her they are prepared to put another model on the table to take to the steering committee when they meet next week,” Mr Martin said.
“And that model would be a fully funded VFL side, a fully funded TSL and increased funding for talent pathways here. The TSL presidents could certainly live with that.”
The end of the TSL for a VFL/NEAFL team would result in similar issues that beset the Devils, with too big a gap between the top team and regional competitions.
The clubs stated they were also told there would be no TSL club returning to the North-West Coast, which was one of the main catalysts for this present crisis following the withdrawal of Burnie and Devonport during the off-season.
AFL Tasmania stated as one of its main priorities at the Campbell Town meeting in February of a return of state league football to the NorthWest.
“That was made very clear yesterday. We would like them to revisit that,” Mr Martin said.
An AFL spokesman said the committee would continue to “engage the relevant stakeholders, ask the appropriate questions, and examine the information available”.
“The committee will make the recommendations to ensure the future of Tasmanian football is sustainable and flourishes at all levels.”
While there is no shortterm solution to the NorthWest Coast absence, it is believed a long-term answer is still being considered by the steering committee.
The TSL clubs have gone from requesting additional money to fighting for the same money, despite the AFL announcing a $48.8 million surplus for 2017.
Mr Martin said the clubs would not go quietly, with the end of the TSL likely to drive players, coaches and support staff interstate and leave a huge hole in the talent pathway.