I’LL DO WHATEVER IT TAKES: AFL BOSS

AFL chief Gillon McLachlan has pledged to provide more funding to Tasmanian football if that is part of the solution to fixing its problems.

Mr McLachlan made the commitment in a private meeting yesterday with the presidents of two Tasmanian State League clubs who addressed the AFL’s Tassie steering committee about their concerns.

Tigers president Paul Gadomski said: “Gil gave us a personal commitment that if the right solution for Tasmanian football is to fund it more, then that will occur.”

Mr McLachlan, who will visit the state again next week, said the talks were “helpful”.

Mr McLachlan told Mr Gadomski and North Launceston president Thane Brady that the committee was still due to report publicly on its progress by June 30.

After the meeting he said: “The presentation from Thane and Paul was considered and insightful. I want to thank them for making themselves available to present to the group.

“The committee enjoyed the discussion, which was rational and helpful. It has given the committee some additional information to consider as we work towards our June deadline.”

Committee member and former St Kilda star Nick Riewoldt told the Mercury that while the talent pathway, community football, an AFL team and overall vision have been discussed at every meeting by the steering committee, yesterday’s discussion was focused solely on the TSL.

The AFL had previously ruled out increasing funding to Tassie footy, so yesterday’s commitment by Mr McLachlan was a stunning turnaround.

Mr Gadomski and Mr Brady had been invited by the steering committee to represent the seven TSL clubs and outline their concerns for the game in the state.

The duo spent 90 minutes in discussion in Melbourne with the committee, which also consists of AFL game development manager Rob Auld, AFL state league manager Simon Laughton, AFL Tasmania CEO Trisha Squires, Carlton coach Brendon Bolton and Brisbane coach Chris Fagan — who attended via phone hook-up.

The pair was then invited for a one-on-one meeting with Mr McLachlan.

Mr Gadomski labelled the opportunity to speak directly to the committee as “very, very positive”, and is confident the main message — to ensure the survival of the TSL — was received loud and clear.

“Really happy with the day, we certainly know that they are listening and considering all the information we gave them,” he said.

“The key take-outs from it were there is clearly no decisions that have been made, they are considering all options.

“There is no doubt we all want the same things, and that is our youth footballers have as much opportunity as they can to put their hand up to be drafted, and if they don’t get that opportunity, that there is a football structure in place in Tasmania that gives them the confidence they can stay in Tasmania and pursue their football goals.

“Gil gave us a personal commitment that if the right solution for Tasmanian football is to fund it more, then that will occur.

“I definitely got the feeling from those guys today that they want to understand the landscape in Tasmania better and they really appreciated the engagement with us.”

The TSL clubs are united in wanting a full-time Mariners program and a VFL team underpinned by the State League.

A decision on the Mariners is likely to be announced on June 30.