A MAN ON A MISSION

New Cup manager named to drive VFL return

THE Oakleigh Chargers’ talent manager will now be charged with one of the key roles in resurrecting Tasmanian football.

The Mercury can reveal Craig Notman has beaten a strong field — including two former AFL coaches — to be offered the position of Tasmania’s TAC Cup football manager and, eventually, setting up Tasmania’s return to the VFL.

Notman has a long history in football administration, including a previous stint with AFL Tasmania.

He boasts an impressive resumé in the code, having been talent manager with Oakleigh since February 2015, and was previously football operations manager at the Melbourne Football Club for five years (2008-2013) and the AFL’s national talent co-ordinator for the previous five years.

Notman does have experience of the island state’s football scene as he was AFL Tasmania’s Launceston-based development manager from 2001 to 2003 before returning to Melbourne to join the AFL.

He is also the partner of former TIS cyclist Belinda Goss.

AFL Tasmania has long held Notman in high regard, and it is believed he was sounded out for the position of the state’s talent manager last year — a role which was eventually filled by Jy Bond, who has now moved on to be talent manager with the TAC Cup’s Western Jets.

Notman beat a hot field for the vital position, with former Fitzroy and Adelaide coach Robert Shaw making the short list, while former Melbourne coach Mark Neeld did not even make it past the first round.

Tasmania will rejoin the TAC Cup next year and has a provisional licence to field a side in the VFL in 2021.

Notman will be tasked with ensuring the progression into both competitions runs smoothly and the state can provide competitive teams while increasing the number of AFL draftees each year.

He will also play a major role in the selection of the TAC Cup coach, which was advertised via the AFL website last week.