TSL’s game at North Hobart Oval will be a coronavirus trial on easing crowd restriction

It’s the biggest test of social protocols since the coronavirus hit Tasmania and TSL fans could help pave the way for bigger crowds across the state - it all rests on one game.

Football. Tasmanian State League. Glenorchy V North Launceston. Taylor Whitford North Launceston playing coach. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

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THE TSL’s reigning champion North Launceston has backed the increase of TSL crowds from 500 to 1250 for their clash with the Demons at North Hobart Oval today hoping they will get the green light to do the same at UTas Stadium next weekend.

It comes with a raft of rules, but the experimental crowd boost could form the template for the easing of coronavirus restrictions in all sports around the state, as well as other social occasions.

North Launceston is onboard with the coronavirus crowd trial and coach Taylor Whitford hopes it turns into something great for the TSL.

“We are the showpiece game this weekend so hopefully all goes well and it’s smooth sailing and we can hopefully replicate that in the back end of the year by having that big a crowd at our next home game,” he said.

North Hobart president Craig Martin has pushed for bigger crowds for more than a month.

“We are sure we will get more than the current limit of 500, it’s just a matter of waiting to see on the day how many want to come and watch a top-class game of TSL football,” Martin said.

A tribute to late club and Tasmanian football legend John Leedham would also draw extra people into the ground.

Known as the “Great JL”, Leedham passed away on May 29.

His tribute will take place at 1.45pm _ 15 minutes before the main game.