TASMANIA will have a TAC Cup team of its own from next year and has been granted a provisional VFL licence for 2021 as part of a fresh $1.4 million investment in the state by the AFL.
While the commitment stops short of giving Tasmanians what they truly want – an AFL team of their own – it does address some of the deep-seated issues that came to light earlier this year after the withdrawal of Devonport and the Burnie Dockers from the Tasmanian State League, in addition to concerns over pathway programs and funding.
Administrative hubs in the north, northwest and south will be created, women's football will be pushed along and the TSL will be properly funded as part of a series of sweeping recommendations from a steering committee chaired by AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan.
Pathway programs will commence at under-12 level and will extend through to the under-18 level.
TEAM TASSIE Read the full findings of the Tasmania Football Steering Committee (PDF)
McLachlan said the new hubs would reduce the burden on community volunteers, and improve participation programs, competitions and talent pathways. Formal affiliation agreements with surrounding community leagues will be established.
He said he was confident these new structures and additional resources would ensure that all Tasmanians would be given the same opportunity to play the game.
"The passion for Tasmanian footy needs to be harnessed. The time is now to unite," McLachlan said.
"In order for footy to grow in one of our founding footy states, we need the help from the Tasmania football community to help create the solutions.
"This needs to be a team effort."
Among the committee's findings were that funding for talent development, participation and junior football was insufficient, the pathways were fractured and community football was under-resourced, which affected the ability to increase participation.
Next year's TAC Cup men's team, the women's TAC Cup team to be introduced in 2020 and the proposed VFL team in 2021 will be properly resourced, but not at the expense of the TSL.
"We will continue to support the seven state league clubs, they are an important part of their local areas. The clubs are committed to deliver the community and participation outcomes required to keep football healthy," McLachlan said.
And the newly-created state teams playing under the 'Team Tasmania' banner will carry the same branding, with Tasmanian footy fans getting the opportunity to determine the name, one McLachlan said "all Tasmanians can own, stand united under and be proud of".
The steering committee also included AFL Tasmania chief executive Trish Squires, Carlton coach Brendon Bolton, Brisbane coach Chris Fagan, former St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt, AFL head of game development Robert Auld, AFL national state league manager Simon Laughton, AFL head of talent, education and projects Tristan Salter, AFL talent competitions and operations manager Marcus Ashcroft and AFL strategist Andrew Gennai-Garino.
