Clarence are on the lookout for a potential new home after being removed from Ninja Stadium

One of Tasmania’s biggest football clubs says it could be forced to find a new home after consistent clashes with its co-tenants, Cricket Tasmania. Here’s what could be on the cards.

Clarence Football Club is prepared to look for a new home base.

Roos president Nat Belbin has confirmed a future move away from Ninja Stadium could be on the cards with the club set to be forced to relocate ahead of the Southern Football League finals next month.

It comes as Cricket Tasmania, who operates the facilities, needs time to prepare the venue ahead of the start of the Sheffield Shield season on October 15.

The two sporting codes have locked horns over the use of the venue previously with the Roos often moving to different locations as they chased premiership success.

“We’re currently stuck between a rock and a very hard bloody place,” Belbin said.

“Admittedly it’s got worse (over time), 100 per cent it’s got worse this year.

“It’s because football has got bigger and maybe the season has extended further as well with the women’s program coming into play.

Clarence Football Club will head to Geilston Bay for the finals SFL finals series. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“There are a lot of factors.”

This masthead understands the Roos will base themselves at Geilston Bay for the finals series for training sessions.

There is the potential Clarence could earn a home final given they sit second on the ladder in the Premier League’s men’s competition.

Clarence Football Club look at potentially relocating from Ninja Stadium as early as next season. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Meanwhile, the women are flying at the top of the ladder in their respective competition.

The club’s junior arm currently uses Clarence High and Howrah Primary schools but getting access for the senior sides has proven difficult.

“My problem is that I have been quite clear with the (City of Clarence) council, we have been talking about this for three-and-a-half years on these exact challenges,” Belbin said.

“There’s a huge amount of issues and we’ve had discussions with the council at the start of the year and we had a meeting with them on Monday because we pretty much said that it is too hard and we need to get out of Ninja.

“We pay more rent than any other Premier League club in the state, so there are financial pressures.

“We went to council and we said what would happen if we wanted our new home to be Clarence High and we were basically told that it couldn’t happen.”

City of Clarence chief executive Ian Nelson said council had been working with the Roos and AFL Tasmania “on a proposal looking at the future options for training”.

“These discussions are ongoing,” Mr Nelson said.

“There is a shortage of sports ovals and facilities in the city and across greater Hobart, and this is paired with a rapid expansion of participation in not only football, but all sporting codes. Everyone is doing the best they can and are working together to accommodate the needs of all users of our facilities and grounds.

“This means that council and clubs are constantly reviewing ground allocations and making compromises.

“We are actively working on long-term solutions to support all clubs equitably. Council is developing a comprehensive sports facility strategy for the region, with input from state sporting associations and local clubs with consultation planned with the community before the end of 2025.

“This is not an issue we can or should rush. Our goal is to deliver fair and balanced outcomes that support the growth of all sports in Clarence.”

Originally published as Clarence are on the lookout for a potential new home after being removed from Ninja Stadium