TSL: Bombers want more VFL clarity as guns mull interstate move

North Launceston’s coach has called for more clarity on what Tasmania’s VFL pathway looks like, as several players in his unbeaten side mull a mainland move to further their careers.

Michael Stingel has been a standout in his return to North Launceston this season. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

North Launceston wants more clarity on what the pathway to Tasmania’s looming VFL team looks like as several Bombers stars lean towards heading interstate next year.

With the TSL wrapping up after this year, premier leagues will be introduced next season in all three regions.

AFL Tasmania announced last month they would also introduce senior academies in each region from next year, with an expansion of the representative schedule to five or six games.

That model has been met with public approval by players and coaches who are keen to challenge themselves at a higher level more often.

Glenorchy captain Harrison Gunther, who returned to the Magpies this year from the SANFL, admitted he “probably would have stayed” had that structure previously been in place.

The intention is to keep players in the state before Tasmania’s planned VFL entry in 2026, but AFL Tasmania fell short of a guarantee it will happen.

TSL. Adrian Smith coach North Launceston. North Hobart V North Launceston. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

It means there is a stopgap year next season and Smith said his players are keen to hear the finer details on what the state’s new structure can offer to further their careers.

The Bombers are unbeaten in the TSL this year with young guns like player of the year voting leader Michael Stingel, the Lefroy medallist as best player against Queensland Harry Bayles and Oscar Van Dam major factors.

“I really think it’s important our best young kids under the 21 or so bracket, who are prime candidates for that VFL program, they need to be proactive in keeping them in our state,” Smith said.

“You can release a program and say this thing’s coming, but our players are wanting the finer details.

“At the moment it’s gone quiet and a lot of our players in that age bracket are really good friends, and connected to each other. At this point I can’t see them being in our state next year, which would be a shame.

“If we lose that group, Stingel, Van Dam, Harry Bayles, Balde Sulzberger, Harvey Griffiths ... once they get away and get settled in a VFL or SANFL environment it’s much tougher to get them back into our state.”

Harry Bayles with Head Coach Trent Baumeler after he won the Lefroy Medal as best on ground for Tasmania in the recent clash with NSW/ACT. Picture: Linda Higginson

The Bombers have a strong affiliation with SANFL side Norwood, coached by Tasmanian Jade Rawlings, with former skipper Ben Simpson joining them this year.

Former Bombers premiership coaches Taylor Whitford (Casey) and Zane Littlejohn (Box Hill) coach in the VFL, and Whitford has already tried to convince Van Dam to move earlier this year.

“It’s about knowing the pathway. If they want to play VFL in Tassie hopefully in 2026, what does that look like? How do I get to that point? Do I need to go away and play a year of VFL at Casey or Box Hill with Taylor or Zane to progress?,” Smith said. They want the finer details of what it looks like.

“We want our players to play at the highest level. Can they do that with this model, or is the pathway not there for them so they have to go interstate?

“At the moment, it looks like they’ll have to progress their pathway by going interstate because they’re of that age bracket of 20 or 21 and are in their fundamental football years.

“If we can find that model (in Tasmania) that’s great, but we need more detail so clubs can plan and prepare.

“The problem with the stop gap year is there’s no clarity on what that looks like. Yes we are going back to regional footy which will have its benefits but talking about elite kids who are in the draft window still or top-up VFL, they’re in limbo on what their future looks like.”

The Bombers will chase a 16th straight win against Glenorchy at UTAS Stadium on Saturday.