Launceston coach Mitch Thorp says playing 12 rounds best model for postponed TSL season

Launceston coach Mitch Thorp has proposed two ways of getting games to footy fans when the postponed State League season resumes.

TSL - Tigers V Launceston at Twin Ovals, Kingston. (L-R) Mitch Thorpe (9 of Launceston) with the ball. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

PLAYING each other twice and live-streaming games with no fans should be considered as part of the start-up solution for the postponed TSL season, says Launceston coach Mitch Thorp.

Thorp said his players were making solid progress with their fitness and conditioning in the coronavirus shutdown and hoped there would actually be a season to play.

The Blues’ playing coach and spiritual leader is a big supporter of teams playing each other once at home and once away.

“The AFL are going to make their announcement next week and all the clubs here are planning for there to be football but when that comes about is still all up in the air,” Thorp said.

“If it’s safe, and the powers that be tick it off, then we are hopeful of getting our season started.

“If we could play each other twice, home and away, that would be a very fair and equitable way to do it.”

Thorp said all options should be on the table, including “ghost games” – games with no fans. It is believed even lock-out games are still on the table even though TSL clubs would get no income from supporters through the turnstiles.

“It is a challenge,” Thorp said.

“The good thing about media platforms now is you’d probably be able to get the games out by live-streaming them and things like that.

“It’s all up in the air but I know the clubs will work together to make the season work if we are able to play.

“I think the club presidents should have a fair say in it.”