TSL clubs to oppose harsh budget cuts and seek assurance on the future of the state’s premier league

Tasmania’s seven TSL clubs are about to go into battle against proposed budget cuts that threaten the league’s future. Here are all the details and what AFL Tasmania is prepared to pay for >>

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THE seven TSL clubs will go to “war” over the future of the State League and adequate funding to keep it alive in a crunch meeting with AFL Tasmania on Tuesday.

The coronavirus chaos wreaked havoc on the AFL’s purse strings and the pain has been passed down to the State Leagues, with TSL clubs now bracing for a brutal budget cut of up to 46 per cent.

It is believed that instead of the expected $107,000 annual grant, the clubs will get $60,000, with AFL Tasmania to pick up an additional $19,000 in expenses (filming of games, insurance, travel for men and women teams, stats, umpires for TSL and TSLW and game balls).

North Hobart President Craig Martin. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

North Hobart president Craig Martin will be a key player in the fight for fair funding.

“We are going to argue that the cuts should not be as big as they are proposing,” Martin said.

“We are hopeful that it might not be as harsh as expected.

“The proposal at the moment is a set amount as far as the grant goes and also AFL Tas to take on some of the other costs like filming of games and insurance and some of those administering things.”

Martin is passionate about keeping the TSL going beyond its current contract, ending in 2023.

“Everyone worked really hard together _ the seven presidents and AFL Tas _ to get a season up this year and it has been one of the best TSL seasons I can remember,” he said.

“There is little gap between top and bottom like there has been in the past, and on any given day a team is capable of beating any other team.

“It is the state’s premier football competition and it has to be properly resourced and it has to be developed and grown.

Round 13 TSL game between Clarence v North Hobart from Richmond Oval. North Hobart's Jack Sandric. Picture: Zak Simmonds

“I would like to hear from those running the game a commitment to the TSL beyond 2023 – it just has to happen.

“I know the game has been knocked for six during the coronavirus and there has been a loss of TV revenue this year, but we need some certainly.

“As a club we plan for three, four or five years down the track, not year to year, so we need surety and it’s only fair we get that.”

A proposed reduction in the salary cap will also be opposed.

“I am going to argue very strongly that the salary cap needs to stay at $95,000 because there are moves to reduce that even more,” Martin said.

“In comparison with other football jurisdictions, $95,000 is a trifling amount.

“We will also argue that the salary caps in the competitions that sit below the TSL are set in concrete and they are properly policed. That is also really important.”