TNL open to amalgamation talks as some southern clubs struggle

Netball Tasmania’s boss has confirmed they’re open to holding amalgamation talks with southern clubs as two clubs in particular battle to be competitive this season.

South East Suns Jordie Kath and Arrows Karli Wilton. Picture: Chris Kidd

Netball Tasmania boss Mitch Coulson says clubs could be “stronger together than as individuals” after confirming they’re open to facilitating amalgamation discussions with the TNL’s southern clubs.

While the Launceston-based teams - Hawks and Cavaliers - are riding high atop the ladder, Arrows and newcomers South-East Suns in particular have struggled this season.

The winless Arrows’ percentage is a paltry 20.52 heading into this weekend’s final regular season games, while the Suns’ victory over Arrows is their sole triumph thus far.

The current TNL club licenses expire at the end of the 2024 season, and Coulson said preliminary talks with clubs about the potential to amalgamate had revealed an open-mindedness to the possibility.

“If any clubs are open or willing to have a conversation around the amalgation of licenses - we’re not forcing that upon them, but we’re open to help facilitate athat conversation,” Coulson said.

“We’ve had a few conversations like that. There’s no certainties in that space, but (we’re) presenting options at this stage.

“We think maybe there’s some potential strengths, maybe it’s a case of maybe we’re stronger together than as individuals.

“Ultimately our position if clubs are interested in exploring it, we’re very happy to facilitie the detail of how it could work and be brought to life.

“I think at least a willingness of maybe havinga further chat of how it could work.”

Asked if he feared for Arrows’ future, Coulson said the licensing process for the competition’s next period would commence late this year, and their preference is to ensure no clubs fold altogether.

Arrows’ Zoe Gough in action this TNL season. The Arrows remain winless in 2023. Picture: Linda Higginson

“Through that licensing period there will be a range of criteria every club would need to submit under, and put their best case forward,” he said.

“It hasn’t been an easy year for them at all, our process is to work with them and explore this (amalgamation) concept with some of the other southern clubs.

“We think it’s got a lot of merit, and the concept of a club completely falling by the wayside isn’t our preferred position at all. So far, we’re pleased there’s an open mind to these conversations.”

Coulson was also confident the Suns have the right people in place to eventually develop into a strong force on-court.

“We agreed and understood it wasn’t really about finals or a premiership in year one for the Suns,” he said.

Alanna Cooper South East Suns, Lucy Street Kingston, Karli Wilton Arrows, Sophie Pidgeon Cripps, Emma Clark Karana. Tasmanian Netball League season preview. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“There was a strong element for that region (to have a team) with the new stadium, and the TNL having a presence in a growth corridor.

“We want all our clubs to be successful and have an equitable competition. We hope in time they’ll even the ledger in terms of wins and losses, but in year one of a start up entity the signs have been positive.

“The wins - yep they’d have liked to have grabbed a few more - but the margins (improving) and some of the under-19 players getting exposure in the opens bodes well for the future. “They’ve got a great coach and president as well, we’re confident in the off field set up.”