Will to grill Gill on football fix

PREMIER Will Hodgman has issued his bluntest ultimatum yet to the boss of the AFL, telling Gillon McLachlan that Tassie footy is broken and you have to “step up ... and fix it”.

On the eve of Mr McLachlan’s second visit this year, Mr Hodgman said the current state of Tasmanian football was “not good enough”.

“The fact the North-West Coast is not represented in our State League is unacceptable,” Mr Hodgman said.

“Just like the AFL is not a truly national competition without a Tasmanian team — the State League is not truly a state competition without a team from the North-West Coast. This must change. The AFL must step up — they are in charge of football, and they have to fix it.

“I have said directly to Gillon on several occasions, the AFL needs to genuinely listen and engage with those who know Tasmanian football best — that’s those on the ground here, particularly in the NorthWest.”

Mr McLachlan, as chair of the AFL’s steering committee into Tasmanian football will meet all seven TSL club presidents in Devonport tomorrow — where he will be asked to start providing answers. No r th Launceston president Thane Brady and Tigers president Paul Gadomski presented the case on behalf of the TSL clubs last week in Melbourne. Lauderdale president Julie Kay said the clubs had provided all the information they can to the steering committee, and now it was time to reciprocate. “Apparently he’s asked lot of questions, that’s good and we are happy to answer those questions,” Ms Kay said. “But it will be interesting when we ask him a few questions. That will be good fun. It is all part of the process.”

It is believed Mr McLachlan will also fulfil a commitment to meet with the presidents of Burnie and Devonport — the clubs that pulled out of the TSL prior to this season, instigating the latest crisis. He will also have a telephone hook up with Mr Hodgman.

Mr McLachlan has given a commitment that his steering committee will propose solutions to the state’s talent pathway issues and the future of the State League by June 30.

The AFL ... are in charge of football. They have to fix it. Premier WILL HODGMAN