TSL clubs against new GF schedule

STATE League clubs will meet with AFL Tasmania in Campbell Town today to thrash out details of the TSL roster and try to stop the grand final from being switched to a Sunday.

The majority of clubs — including reigning premier North Launceston and its opponent for the past three grand finals Lauderdale — are opposed to the move from the traditional Saturday playoff.

One president said only clubs that had not featured in the race for a grand final spot in recent times were happy to go along with the plan.

AFL Tasmania told clubs that switching to Sunday would bring the TSL into line with the VFL, SANFL and WAFL, which hold their finals on a Sunday, and would also give the State League product clear air, avoiding clashes with AFL preliminary finals.

However, last year when the TSL grand final was held a week before the AFL prelims, it attracted a crowd of 4423 to UTas Stadium. This year when it clashed with Collingwood-Giants prelim it was watched by 4692 at Blundstone Arena.

Lauderdale president Julie Kay is not a fan of switching from Saturday.

“We would prefer a 2pm Saturday grand final,” Kay said.

“Saturday is the traditional time for the grand final, but AFL Tas says it clashes with junior grand finals and AFL fixtures like the preliminary finals. “Having it on a Sunday would make it a stand-alone game.

“But I think a lot of people prefer it to be on a Saturday, and clubs [grand finalists] have functions and family days on the Sunday and changing would put a dampener on those kinds of things.

“Also, it could affect the number of volunteers and resources available on a Sunday.

“So generally our club would prefer to play on Saturday at 2pm, and I know North Launceston does too.”

The State League operations meeting today gives club representatives the last chance to raise concerns.

AFL Tasmania said the 2020 TSL roster was due for release next week.