Lauderdale and Clarence presidents back TSL’s end following northern clubs turmoil with AFL Tasmania

Two Tasmanian State League southern presidents have backed the discontinuation of the league following calls from northern clubs for it to remain.

TSL presidents Scott Wade (Clarence) and Andrew Lyden (Lauderdale) have both agreed that the competition needs to end at the conclusion of this season.

Just days after two of their TSL counterparts called for an extension of the current competition, both Lauderdale and Clarence have reaffirmed their commitment to the new local football structure beyond 2024.

With the TSL set to disband at the conclusion of this season to make way for a revamp of community football ahead of the introduction of both a Tasmanian AFL and VFL program, Launceston and North Launceston released joint statements on Wednesday night urging AFL Tasmania to reconsider.

North Launceston president Thane Brady has been the loudest advocate for the continuation of the state league with his club the competition’s most successful in history. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

While it’s no secret both clubs are staunch advocates of the continuation of a state league program, the joint statement was largely due to what both clubs believe is a lack of transparency around when a Tasmanian VFL program will begin – likely not until 2026.

With plans currently having the current TSL clubs entering new southern and northern premier leagues in 2025, both Launceston and North Launceston would prefer to either enter a breakaway competition that includes clubs like Devonport and Burnie on the northwest coast or a continuation of the state league for another three years.

But with Head of AFL Tasmania Damian Gill revealing there “wasn’t an appetite” from current NWFL clubs for that model, it appears the Blues and Bombers last hope is to revive the TSL from its current deathbed.

That may be harder said than done though with Lauderdale president Andrew Lyden and Clarence boss Scott Wade not sharing the same belief as their northern rivals in statements provided to SEN Tassie.

“Lauderdale Football Club has always been a strong supporter of a true statewide football competition,” Lyden said.

“However, the reality is we don’t have a true statewide competition and haven’t done since three northern teams pulled out (Devonport, Burnie and South Launceston).

“The club was thrilled to be invited to participate in the initial 10 team TSL in 2009 based on a five team north and five team south model and would love nothing more than if that model was still viable.

While they may be rivals on field, both Lauderdale and Clarence agree that the TSL should end as planned at conclusion of 2024. Picture: Linda Higginson

“We certainly understand the frustrations of Launceston and North Launceston and wish them the best but Lauderdale has been of the view for some time that the current TSL is not sustainable and we don’t see any point in continuing the TSL past 2024.”

Lyden’s comments come days after his own senior coach in Allen Christensen once again supported a state league model with the former AFL premiership player a strong advocate for the competition since moving to Tasmania.

Wade, a former AFL Tasmania CEO, was also in agreeance with his eastern shore rival with the biggest revelation from his statement that Clarence requested to join the current Southern Football League for 2024.

“The CFC supports a competition structure whereby regional community focused football will underpin Tasmanian VFL and AFL teams in the near future,” Wade said.

“Our club wanted to make the move this year, however, our request was rejected by both AFL Tasmania and the SFL.

“We (Clarence) have no desire to pursue retention of the current TSL competition given we support Tasmania’s push towards a VFL and AFL team structure. When that happens is not our concern, we are ready to return to community football in 2025.”