EXCITING TIMES, FAGAN SAYS
CHRIS Fagan says Tasmanians should be excited about the possibilities that will be delivered by the AFL’s new structure for Tasmanian football and that it makes the state more AFL-ready when the time comes.
Brisbane Lions coach, Fagan was one of three Tasmanians on the AFL’s steering committee — along with St Kilda legend Nick Riewoldt and Carlton coach Brendon Bolton — that spent more than three months finding a fix for floundering football in the foundation state.
A clear structure from state under-12s to full-time under-18 TAC Cup team and a senior VFL side set the pathway to a Tasmanian AFL team.
“Tasmanians should be excited and feel positive about the findings,” Fagan said.
“It was recognised that Tassie footy needed some assistance and an injection of funds and a clearer pathway for the future.
“That’s what the committee has achieved. The hard work now begins implementing the change so that it can work as effectively as possible.
“I think it’s a positive step for clubs, for the talent pathway and for Tassie footy being in a good position hopefully at some point in time to be in a position to have their own AFL team.”
Fagan confirmed it was part of the grand plan.
“We talked about it, but it wasn’t really the brief of that committee to decide when that may well be,” he said.
“It certainly underpinned a lot of discussion, in that if it were to happen, then there needs to be a good structure in place to back it up.
“That is what we have delivered.”
As a former Statewide League player and coach, former coach of the Tassie Mariners, and now AFL coach, Fagan said a solid football structure was critical.
“I think coaching and development is everything, and young people with talent need opportunities grow,” Fagan said. “Playing for the Mariners on a weekly basis is a fantastic way for young talent to develop.
“And when the VFL team comes along, that will be great for those who miss out on the draft to go again and play better as 20 and 21-year-olds and achieve hopefully their dream of playing AFL footy.
“Those who don’t will enhance the quality and standard of football in Tasmania.”