Increase in crowd levels game changer
THE increase of crowds in time for the SFL finals will ensure the decider will be played at Tasmania’s spiritual home of football, North Hobart Oval.
Premier Peter Gutwein has announced gatherings for outdoor events, including all sports, can be lifted from a maximum 500 to 1000 from next Friday — the day before the first SFL finals.
SFL president Russell Young said without the increase, the SFL was looking at an alternative venue for its grand final as North Hobart would have been cost prohibitive with such a small crowd.
“It is exciting news for us. It is the different between running financially viable finals or not. We had even considered not playing our grand final at North Hobart because of the cost of factor and only 500 people being allowed. “This changes that.” Having been hit hard financially by restricted crowds all season, Young said the SFL was looking at maximising the increased crowds come finals time, especially as players and officials are included in the gathering total.
“We are still looking seriously at playing the colts and the women’s grand final on the Friday night and the reserves and senior men on the Saturday,” he said. “That would help us with crowd control and give us two revenue streams as well.”
AFL Tasmania chief executive Trisha Squires has also welcomed the increase in crowds two rounds out from the TSL finals starting.
“Our clubs and competitions have done an amazing job in adhering to the 500 limit but it has been hard turning away football fans so the increased limit is welcomed news,” Squires said.
“Traditionally some of our competitions have thousands through the gate in finals so today’s announcement is going to be a big help.”
While crowds can increase, they can only do so if COVIDSafety plans remain in place for all venues. “It remains incredibly important that as a sport we continue to lead the way in social distancing and following strict hygiene protocols with the new limits in place,” Squires said.
CYGNET made a bold selection move for its crucial SFL clash with Hobart at Cygnet Oval on Saturday by promoting two teenagers for senior debuts while the Tigers brought in a player for his first game this season.
The winner will avoid a likely date with reigning champion Lindisfarne at Anzac Park in the elimination final, while the winner’s “prize” is a qualifying final against New Norfolk at Boyer.
Cygnet coach Ben Cato is keen to play at Boyer.
“It’s a big opportunity this week,” Cato said.
“Coming off last week we’ve made four changes and a couple of our boys missed out and we’ve brought in a couple of young blokes, half-backs Jake Burnett and Cody Rawnsley, for their debuts.”
Hobart will take a chance on onballer Jake Barrett, who was injured in the pre-season.
“I’ve said to the boys opportunities like this don’t come around often in your football career and it’s not guaranteed you’ll play finals in any year that you play,” Tigers coach Alex Gilmour said.
“I said throw everything into this game because you never know ... we could get a double chance in the finals and from there you never know where things might end up.”
The Tigers are wary of Cygnet guns Josh Fox and Thor Boscott.
“They have been important players all year for us,” Cato said. “Fox gives us a good target and he always bobs up with his five or six goals and he “There’s no doubt Hobart could have eight or nine last would be strong at the TCA week but he missed a couple of and we’re strong at home, so easy ones. He’s a big part of our that’s definitely in our favour,” forward line. Cato said.
“Thor gives us presence In other games, Claremont around the ground and we plays Brighton at Abbotsfield know those two will have an Park, second-placed New Norfolk impact, it’s more the other plays Sorell at Pembroke guys playing their roles for the Park, Lindisfarne is at home to team.” Dodges Ferry, and ladderleader
Playing at Cygnet is an Huonville Lions have a advantage. bye.