“We will not sign”: Launceston TSL clubs refuse to join new league

The future of the proposed NTFA Premier League has been thrown into further uncertainty after Launceston and North Launceston officially confirmed they “will not sign affiliation agreements.”

Launceston president Scott Stephens. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Disgruntled TSL clubs North Launceston and Launceston have officially confirmed they have no intention of joining next year’s NTFA Premier League, and have threatened to investigate dispute resolution provisions if a perceived lack of transparency surrounding the league and the state’s VFL team doesn’t improve.

In a development which will surprise no one in football circles, the Blues and Bombers sent a lengthy statement via email to AFL Tasmania outlining in detail why they don’t believe the new six-team league suits their requirements.

Late last month it was revealed Scottsdale, Deloraine, Longford and South Launceston’s bids have been granted licenses to the league, but no representatives from either the Blues or Bombers fronted for the announcement.

“We demand transparent and definitive communication around the VFL team, and the proposed Premier League. If we are ignored, then we will seek to invoke the dispute resolution provisions of the licence agreements,” the statement, published on both club’s Facebook accounts, said.

“We do not consider the Premier League model a suitable competition following the cessation of the Statewide League, and we will not sign the affiliation agreements.”

The developments put the northern premier league in disarray.

It was hoped Tasmanania’s VFL team would begin next year, but it will now be delayed until at least 2026.

It creates a ‘gap year’ after the TSL disbands at the end of this season, and the Blues and Bombers both fear the league’s best players will head to strong interstate competitions.

The Bombers and Blues have a desire to form a breakaway competition with heavyweight NWFL clubs like Devonport and Burnie.

North Launceston’s Jack Avent during last year’s TSL grand final. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“The two Statewide League clubs in the north represent not only their members and stakeholders, but consider themselves custodians of the game and the many good people that share a passion for it.

“Consequently, they each consider that while change is inevitable and will not be unreasonably or obstinately opposed, it cannot leave any person, club, competition, or region behind or disadvantaged.

“The respective licence agreements require AFL Tasmania to use its best endeavours to ensure that the statewide league clubs have a suitable AFL competition in which to compete in the season, following the cessation of the statewide league competition.

“The evidence to date is that AFL Tasmania has not done so.”

The two clubs have suggested extending the TSL for another three years, to allow more time to put a solid foundation in place before changes occur.

“The Statewide League should continue for a period no less than three years from the end of the 2024 season,” the statement said.

The Blues and Bombers also aired their dissatisfaction at a perceived lack of communication from other major parties involved.

Club representatives at this year’s TSL launch. Picture: Chris Kidd

“The lack of consultation and communication is perhaps the most frustrating and disrespectful thing about this process,” they wrote.

“The intent was never to join the NTFA, where their regular meetings leave our two clubs with the scavenger hunt for detail and precision.

“This was to be a new competition with proper consideration and input as to how it would be suitable for the two Northern Statewide League clubs and we have not been fairly or respectfully involved in any NTFA meeting or decision making.”

The statement also outlines a handle of lopsided results involving Scottsdale and Deloraine from last weekend’s opening round of the NTFA season, including Hillwood thrashing Scottsdale 21.22 (148) to 1.3 (9) in the men’s premier division, and the Magpies under-18s falling to St Pats 26.19 (175) to 0.2 (2).