Clubs want their voices to be heard

TASMANIAN State League clubs are looking for greater input into the AFL’s steering committee on the future of football in the state.

The club presidents met on Wednesday night without AFL Tasmania representation, while the steering committee also met on Wednesday.

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan, who chairs the committee alongside AFL Tasmania chief executive Trisha Squires, Brisbane coach Chris Fagan, Carlton coach Brendon Bolton, former St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt, AFL state league manager Simon Laughton and AFL game development manager Rob Auld, has set a deadline for June 30 on the TSL’s future and fixing the current broken talent pathway.

North Hobart president Craig Martin said it was important the clubs were heard have a meeting with Ms Squires and Mr Laughton on May 3, but will not get the opportunity to address the entire committee.

There has been speculation from within the clubs the committee is set to recommend scrapping the TSL for a return to regional competition and full-time Tasmanian teams in the under-18 TAC Cup and senior team in the VFL or NEAFL. AFL Tasmania and the AFL have denied this is the case.

Mr McLachlan is expected to visit Tasmania next month as part of the steering committee but a date is not locked in.

An AFL spokesman said Wednesday was a “really productive meeting with a deep dive into various options on the table.

“Ideas are great, but the execution of the preferred options is just as important,” the spokesman said. “We reiterate no decision has been made.” ROUND 4 TSL TEAMS,