AFLW licence …

Forgive me if I have the impression Rob Auld is working for North Melbourne Football Club rather than AFL Tasmania.

We have already been told that the current arrangement the State Government has with the 2 AFL Teams Hawthorn and North Melbourne prevents the consideration of a Tasmania stand-alone team in the men’s competition and now with the women the AFL Tasmania chief is suggesting we get further imbedded with North Melbourne and forgo “Tasmania” as an official name.

Auld’s commitment of the past “Absolutely, I’ll be in there getting the best for Tassie footy.” were perhaps words spoken with hollow intention.

In the women’s competition, the impression was given that this would be a Tasmanian team and we could start the process for this State to be given some status and inclusion in a National competition.

Auld has also held discussions with North Melbourne about the possibility of TSL players temporarily playing for the Kangaroos stand-alone side in the VFL in the future. Again, all this working in North Melbourne’s favour. We have seen in the past the successful Tasmanian Devils team lose out when it formed an alliance with North Melbourne and the State lost its patriotic connection.

We have a tremendous opportunity in the future to develop an AFL standard facility at Seven Mile Beach via Federal Funding and what could attract AFL funding if only the AFL loosened its purse strings in favour of Tasmanian football. It is absolutely time for AFL to invest in infrastructure in this State. This facility would provide a home for our Tasmanian Teams.

AFL’s treatment of Tasmania is shameful it must stop continually putting obstacles in the way that are merely excuses. This State continues to prop up the mainland competition. China and New Zealand are treated better.

Tasmanians have paid a fortune for the privilege of watching 2 visiting mainland teams and I have a feeling this is far too cosy an arrangement for not only the mainland AFL but for the current intention of AFL Tasmania. It’s an easy way out!

As Chris Fagan coach of Brisbane Lions recently said “I’m talking about heritage and culture and legacy. The AFL won’t be truly complete until there is a Tasmanian team.”

If starting with a ladies’ team is an option that’s sooner than later then let’s start with that!
Debra Thurley Alderman Clarence City Council