The financial cost of the coronavirus the great unknown for TSL clubs

It’s too early to know how much, but TSL clubs expect to take a hit financially from the global coronavirus pandemic.

A delayed start to the 2020 TSL season will mean a hit to the revenue of all clubs. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

TSL presidents say it is too early to gauge the economic impact of a delayed start to the season because of the coronavirus pandemic but believe some clubs might be hit harder than others.

Glenorchy and North Hobart presidents believe the league will be financially hurt, but to what degree no one knows.

With AFL Tasmania set to reveal next week what the season will now look like, the main concern of TSL clubs was the welfare of their personnel and local communities.

Glenorchy is one of the biggest clubs in Tasmania, with 450 players from juniors to seniors.

“It’s not just about the football community, it’s a very challenging time for the whole community,” said Glenorchy president John McCann.

”We are acting on the information we have at the moment and that seems to change rapidly.

“Our board is looking closely at how we can play our part to minimise risk for our players, volunteers, members, partners and community.

“We are seeking the best advice on that.”

North Hobart president Craig Martin said postponing the State League season from the first weekend in April until the first weekend in June was “the best decision” under the circumstances.

“The health and wellbeing of the community is the key priority,” he said.

“We’ve got some very disappointed people, and I’m sure it’s the same at all the clubs, but we all understand the decision that had to be made.”

Glenorchy will watch its finances closely.

“Game day is a big part of our business model with kiosk, bar trade and gate takings,” McCann said.

“Each club will have to manage the way they go about things.

“We are all set up differently and each club will be impacted differently.”

Martin said less games meant less income.

“It depends on the business models of each of the clubs, but if you haven’t got games you haven’t got people coming through the gate and that has an impact,” he said.