TSL season pushed back

TSL season start delayed until end of May

The bombshell was dropped in a release sent from AFL House last night.

“The AFL wishes to advise that following a meeting with AFL State CEOs a collective decision has been made to postpone the operation and / or the commencement of each premier State League (including the TSL and TSLW) and state talent program (including the NAB League Boys and Girls competitions).

“The decision was collectively agreed upon based on the part-time nature of these competitions and the financial implications for the State League clubs and State Leagues.

“This decision is effective until May 31.

“The AFL will continue to explore all fixturing alternatives to ensure matches are played, however, acknowledges the situation is fluid and any decision made may change.”

TASMANIA’S premier football competition has been postponed until the end of May over coronavirus fears and the state’s other competition’s will find out today if their seasons will also be put on ice.

Not a ball will be kicked in

JAMES BRESNEHAN

the TSL until at least May 31 after the AFL and its state league chiefs decided at a meeting in Melbourne yesterday to suspend their competitions.

As well as the TSL, the Tasmanian women’s league has also been postponed, as well as the state’s elite under-18 teams for boys and girls playing in the NAB League.

An AFL Tasmania spokesperson revealed last night it must now decide if the May 31 start was for a delayed TSL season or a shortened one. Tasmanian football chief Trish

Squire said it was a difficult decision.

“It is a decision made in the best interests of the health and well-being of fans, players, umpires, officials, partners and communities within the TSL/ TSLW competitions and our Tasmania Devils programs,” she said. “It is a challenging time for everyone and we really appreciate the understanding and cooperation of the TSL presidents in working through the postponement.”