Revealed: The six clubs to compete in the inaugural ‘NTFA Premier League’

The four NTFA clubs who will join Launceston and North Launceston in next year’s inaugural ‘NTFA Premier League’ have been revealed. See who got the nod and why.

Representatives of the four NTFA teams successful in being included in next year's inaugural NTFA Premier League. (Front from left) Jaslyn Freestone, Jade Nichols, Michaela Carins, Renee Brough; (back from left) Grant Holt, Kacey Curtis, Joel Hayes and Jordan Talbot. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

The NTFA is adamant the four clubs chosen to step up into next year’s inaugural NTFA Premier League are the best fit for northern football’s overhaul.

And they’re confident successful applicants Deloraine, Longford, Scottsdale and South Launceston have enough time to be competitive against TSL powerhouses Launceston and North Launceston.

The six-team league begins next season, and seven current NTFA clubs joined the Blues and Bombers in applying for entry.

A five-person selection panel including two AFL Tasmania staff members, two NTFA board members and an independent member with an AFL club background and experience in other community sport reviewed the applications.

Nine different criteria was used to assess applications including committee personnel, financial resources, capacity to field teams in proposed premier competitions, boys’ and girls’ junior pathways, infrastructure and sustainability.

The league features three inner Launceston-based clubs and three from surrounding regions, but president Damien Rhind played down the significance locations played in the selection process.

“It (criteria) was intentionally set at a high level, and it was clear at times not every club met that selection criteria,” he said.

“Not every club ticked the box in every criteria, but what we’ve got here is the best fit at this point in time for 2025.

The announcement of the successful applicants was made at a media conference on Friday, when it was initially forecast all six clubs would have representatives present.

However North Launceston and Launceston, both of whom have expressed concerns over how competitive the league might be, weren’t represented.

It’s understood the Blues had their annual golf day, one of their biggest fundraisers on Friday.

Asked where the two clubs were, Rhind said: “We’re about celebrating the NTFA clubs who are moving into the premier league today.”

Rhind acknowledged the process was extensive and extremely difficult, and some tough conversations were had with unsuccessful applicants.

Scottsdale won just one game last year and Deloraine were third last, while the likes of Bridgenorth and Hillwood can be considered unlucky to miss out.

“They weren’t easy conversations (with unsuccessful applicants), and if I was in their position I’d be highly frustrated, emotional, all those human instinctive responses when we come across something we don’t like,” Rhind said.

“Changes are massive here and changes are difficult. There’s always going to be parties where change doesn’t suit. But once that emotion subsides it’s time to have another conversation, work with them to be the best they can be, find their sustainability point and where that fits in the north.”

AFL Tasmania community football manager Tom Barwick said they’re working closely to ensure the four elevated NTFA clubs lift their standard.

“We’re striving for those clubs to step up and lift the standard of football,” he said.

“We’ve been working with them (Launceston and North Launceston) throughout this process, and we’’ve been consulting with them on ways that enable them to come into the competition without serious ramifications on their playing list,” he said.

“We’ve been listening to those concerns, and the NTFA have been brilliant in working with them as well.

South Launceston's Brad Keegan and Bridgenorth's Dylan Farquhar do battle in the ruck during an NTFA clash last year. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

“It is difficult for them because of the sustained success they’ve had at TSL level, we appreciate it is difficult for them. But there is an opportunity for them to re-engage closely with their northern community as well, and play in the greater Launceston area every week.”

South Launceston coach Jack Maher and Longford opposite Mitch Stagg both highlighted improving junior pathways as a critical focus.

“It’s obviously massive to move into that top tier. It’s going to be great for our juniors coming through,” Maher said.

‘The past two years we’ve brought things in place around our club culture and standards, we’re looking forward to the challenge.

“We need to make sure the junior pathway is good so we’re not just good for next year, but the years going forward.”

Stagg said the Tigers have picked the brain of the Bombers and Blues to get a gauge of how they’ve enjoyed sustained success in the state league.

“We’ve had some of our former juniors come back from Launceston and North Launceston, and that will lift the standards,” Stagg said.

“We’re under no illusions we have to raise our professionalism to meet the standards those teams are putting out there.

“It’s about building the junior program underneath. Launceston and North Launceston have been able to bring a lot of 16 and 17-year-olds into their ranks.

“We’ve taken elements from Launceston and North Launceston’s programs, and we need to raise the standard again.

“We’re (currently) doing two nights training, the state teams are doing three nights and they’re the type of things we’re assessing.”