TSL clubs buoyed after AFL committed to a 2020 season

A “very positive” meeting with AFL representatives has left the state’s TSL clubs feeling confident there will be senior football action on the field this year.

A commitment from the AFL has left TSL clubs confident there will be on-field action this year. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

STATE League presidents have been given a commitment from the AFL there will be a shortened TSL season in 2020.

Following a “very positive” meeting between the seven clubs, AFL Tasmania chief Trisha Squires, the AFL’s head of states and game development Sam Graham and AFL general counsel and general manager game development Andrew Dillon, said planning for the state’s premier competition will begin soon.

Club presidents have been asked to provide the AFL with a financially suitable model which will be funded by the governing body.

TSL CLUBS ASKED TO SUBMIT FINANCIAL HEALTH CHECKS

North Hobart president Craig Martin said all parties were determined to see TSL action in some form — likely a 12-game roster — once restrictions are lifted by health authorities.

“There was a commitment that they would fund the competition but obviously given the AFL finances have taken a massive hit, like all other sports, it wouldn’t be the same as in previous years, which is understandable,” Martin said.

“There was agreement we would try and get a low-cost model up. They need some more hard information from the clubs about the costs we incur running a season.

“We have given them a commitment we will get that to them ASAP.

“There weren’t any firm figures raised, but we got a commitment from Sam there would be a grant, but it would obviously be reduced given the pandemic.”

North Hobart Football Club president Craig Martin. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

No dates have been discussed, but Martin said the consensus was a start time for the competition would need to be finalised as early as possible.

“We agree there needs to be confirmation of a season by early June, June 1 was a date that has been bandied around, but I don’t know whether we need to be held to hard and fast deadlines.

“There is however obviously a degree of urgency, because there is so many people associated with the TSL and footy in Tasmania that need clarity on what is happening.”

Martin also confirmed it is likely players will be asked to relinquish payments given clubs will have no game-day income due to crowd lockouts.

AFL Tasmania CEO Trisha Squires. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

A representative for the presidents will meet again with Squires next week.

“Today’s meeting was to ensure the TSL clubs had a greater understanding of the national picture and the significant impacts COVID-19 has had across football in all states and territories,” she said.

“The clubs have agreed to work with us on exploring a financially effective model in order to deliver the 2020 season in some form.

“We will now work through the detail together on what a season could look like and what can be achieved.”

The AFL was contacted for comment.

Meanwhile, SFL president Russell Young released a statement saying the board remains unanimous about a commitment to deliver a season this year.

The board’s preference is a 13-week format, while it has also waived the $50 registration fee for 2020.