Tasmania’s State League clubs weigh up value of fly-in and marquee players like Aker

THE 10 State League clubs and AFL Tasmania will undertake research this season to ­determine the value of fly-in and marquee players.

AFL star Jason Akermanis, left of centre, at his first training session with Glenorchy Ma

THE 10 State League clubs and AFL Tasmania will undertake research this season to ­determine the value of fly-in and marquee players.

The controlling body and the 10 presidents met in Campbell Town yesterday to discuss a range of issues before the season, including the salary cap and the AFL Tasmania board disbanding.

Of particular interest is clubs securing the services of former AFL stars – Jason Akermanis, Cameron Mooney, Chris Tarrant and Nathan Brown have all played in the TSL in the past few years.

Speaking after the meeting, Lauderdale president Graeme O’Byrne said all the clubs were on the same page when it came to weighing the benefits of players making cameo ­appearances.

“From the salary cap point of view, AFL Tas audit that as it is, the only thing that was discussed was in relation to fly-in and marquee players and how that affects the salary cap,’’ O’Byrne said.

“A majority of clubs aren’t opposed to it, they want to continue that.

“We aren’t one of those clubs, we don’t believe it is the way to go but having said that we are quite prepared to back the other clubs in their endeavours to attract the right players to the league.

Glenorchy star recruit Jason Akermanis.

“What we did agree at the meeting, though, was we would monitor and do a bit of ­research among the footy community through 2014 to determine a way forward into the future with that particular issue.

“The main one [issue] is does it really add value to our league? That is the only contentious issue in my mind and that’s why we all agreed to do some really good research.”

Under the power shift involv­ing the AFL Tasmania board, Tasmanian football will fall in line with Queensland, NSW and Victoria and be controlled by the AFL.

The operation of the game will not be affected, with chief executive Scott Wade, TSL general manager Shaun Young and Nick Probert (general manager of community football) answering to AFL House.

O’Byrne had no issues with the move, even if it blindsided several presidents.

“The details around the AFL Tas board stepping down [were discussed] and the general consensus is it is a pretty positive move,” he said.

“At the end of the day the funding is directly through the AFL and it gives us a more ­direct route to engage with the executive, with the AFL.

“It’s something that has been mentioned around the traps but not necessarily a shock, it is definitely news that it is happening now.

“But I don’t think there are any adverse receptions to that news.”

It is understood the presidents will schedule regular meetings throughout the year to discuss relevant issues.