Campbell Town quits ODFA to join NTFA

The ODFA’s president has admitted he’s disappointed Campbell Town has jumped ship to the NTFA, but can “understand their reasoning for doing so.” Check out the make-up of the NTFA’s division one and two next year here.

Campbell Town’s football oval. Picture: Solstice Digital/Tasmania Football Club

Oatlands District Football Association president Brian O’Reilly admits he’s disappointed Campbell Town has opted to join the NTFA, but can understand their reasoning for returning to the northern competition.

The Robins’ admission into the NTFA’s division two competition was the biggest change after the league announced who will play in divisions one and two under the inaugural Premier League from next season.

The five current premier division team not stepping up to the Premier League are in division one, and have been joined by Old Scotch Collegians, St Patrick’s, Lilydale and Old Launcestonians.

Division two features seven teams with Campbell Town joining Perth, Meander Valley, UTAS, Bridport, East Coast and Evandale.

The Robins have been keen to return to the NTFA for a number of years. They joined the ODFA in 2009 and won NTFA division two premierships in 1998, 2000 and 2001.

They finished fifth in this year’s OFDA, with Bothwell and Triabunna to play in this Saturday’s grand final.

“Campbell Town have chosen for their long term viability to go north because they believe they’re more a northern side,” O’Reilly told media in Hobart on Thursday.

“For them to survive further in their paths, they believe it’s in their best interests to go there. “We’ve been very supportive of them in the ODFA and it’s their choice to go there, not ours.”

Asked if he was disappointed, O’Reilly said: “Yes, but I can understand where they’re coming from.

Campbell Town have jumped ship from the ODFA to the NTFA from next season.

“As president of the ODFA no one likes to see a side leave their comp. (They’re) a successful side and a very good side to play against.

“They’ve got a lot of things to do to be successful up there and we wish them all the best.”

O’Reilly said they would be comfortable to proceed with a six-team league next year, but believes the fact clubs only have to field a senior team in the ODFA could be attractive for clubs to join.

“It’s not for us to decide, it’s for other teams to decide if they want to come into the ODFA,” he said.

“As a one-team comp, we’re the only one like that in the state and it’s very competitive.

“For little towns to have first and reserves is nearly impossible, maybe some other sides will deem it a good way to survive in a one-team comp.”

The NTFA said in a statement “the teams granted entry into division one went through an application process, and were determined by the NTFA board.”

“Discussions will commence post-season regarding promotion and relegation between divisions one and two.”

The Robins posted a statement on Facebook to express their delight at their NTFA inclusion.

“CTFC are very excited to announce we have been accepted into the NTFA division two competition next year.

“We are a northern-based club and know that playing in a northern-based competition is the best option for our club’s long-term sustainability.

“To rejoin the NTFA has been our goal for the last 5 years and we have worked hard as a club to make it happen.

“Exciting times ahead for the Robins.”

The ODFA also released a statement on Thursday afternoon wishing the club the best for its future.

“Although both the ODFA and Campbell Town are sad to see the end of a 16 year old partnership, the club has made the decision that will give it the best chance of long term sustainability,” the statement said.

“Being a northern club competing in a southern-based competition brings with it many challenges. Challenges that have got harder as the years have gone by.

“From day one Campbell Town has been open ad honest with the Association about its intentions, should the opportunity arise to head back north.

“The Association would like to thank everyone involved in the club for everything they have brough to the competition. To the committee, playing group, volunteers and supporters, the Association wishes you and your club nothing but the very best for the future.”