Statewide League 2008

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roorat said:
So they have gone back on the money side of their promises(didn't get the funding or have used it elsewhere), what else have they canned. They originally promised.
A seniors competition and under 23 or under 21 competition with a limited number of over-age players;
$50,000 a year for a development officer/ general manager;
Free buses to games;
No game levies;
No annual licence fees.
A guarantee of 70 per cent of games played in their local area,

Just out of curiosity for those whose clubs are involved - being one of those chosen - what is the feeling around each of your clubs and what way do you think the members will vote.
Click to expand...

Don't be surprised if options 3,4,5 and 6 are either scrapped or adjusted. I wouldn't say option 1 would change, but if it does change that will certainly cause some clubs to query the concept.

Of some of the clubs if they had a vote on it tommorrow for instance I would say three would reject the proposal comfortably (Hobart, North Hobart and South L'ton) and the other seven would probably be very close to a 50/50 vote.
 
roorat said:
Statewide league on again
JAMES BRESNEHAN
June 18, 2008 12:00am
TASMANIA'S new statewide football league will have 10 foundation teams when it kicks off in 2009 but there will be no cash injection for clubs.
The 10 elite clubs believed they would score grants of $50,000 to $60,000 a season for playing in the statewide competition.

They will be disappointed today when the "for your eyes only" document is circulated to their presidents.

It is proposed the South be represented by North Hobart, Clarence, Glenorchy, Hobart-Sandy Bay and Lauderdale.

In the North, the teams are North Launceston, South Launceston and Launceston, and on the North-West; Devonport and Burnie.

There will be a clash of colours between Glenorchy and Devonport (both Magpies), and North Launceston and Lauderdale (Bombers).

But jumper duplication is the least of the clubs' worries.

The business plan is one of the most anticipated documents in the history of Tasmanian football.

The competition will underpin the Tasmanian Devils VFL team and will force restructuring of regional leagues.

AFL Tasmania kept its cards close to its chest yesterday, reluctant to comment before clubs study the plan.

"We're not going to fund any club. We're not going to give any club anything to play in the state league," AFL Tasmania general manager Scott Wade said. "Funding will be provided to grow, develop and promote the game in development zones, which is similar to the old districts we used to have."

The plan has been five months in the making and Wade said it was approved by the AFL two weeks ago.

"We've been in consultation with clubs for eight or nine months," he said. "In simple terms, we are going to invite a small group of clubs to work with us more closely.

"When they see the business plan, digest the development focus, this will be the start of a new opportunity to grow develop and promote the game in Tasmania."

The last statewide league hit the rocks in 2000 when club debts grew and crowds dwindled in a tight state economy and with the arrival of saturation AFL television coverage.

Clubs were guilty of splashing money on high-profile recruits rather than investing in local youth.

Sandy Bay and the Southern Cats went to the wall, and Hobart and New Norfolk were seriously destabilised.

The defunct league's name changed from the TFL, to the TSFL, and finally collapsed when it was known as the Chickenfeed Super League
http://www.news.com.au/mercury/story/0,22884,23882871-3462,00.html
Click to expand...

Clubs were guilty of splashing money on high-profile recruits rather than investing in local youth.

Wade instructed clubs to go out and get a high profile player. Spend your money he said. Get bums on seats he said. Read my script your SWL is not going to get up. The public of Tassy football told you that months ago.
 
Barge said:
If the bush telegraph is right, then they have the two highest paid players in the comp (Senior coaches like Cat Geappen aside) so money isn't an issue for the Robins - never has been (Has it KNM!) :D
Click to expand...

Barge, I know I'm a bit late but I assume this is directed at myself.

Barge said:
Perhaps if Brighton spread the wealth a bit more evenly than perhaps just dedicating the bulk to keeping 2, admittedly very good, players they may see an improvement of fortunes!

Seemed to be going just fine before the SFL was divided up into 2 leagues - came 4th in 2001 including beating Glenorchy - but unfortunately for them suffered an exodus before the '02 season and haven't been much chop ever since.
Click to expand...

Totally agree Barge, they could be spreading the wealth among twenty good players instead of 4 or 5 very good players.

Between 02' and when the New Norfolk connection arrived I would presume that they spent very little money.

I will admit I was part of the exodus but the victory over Glenorchy in 01' was one of the best I have been involved in, very much like Carltons win over your beloved Collingwood on the weekend.
 

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Thursday, 19 June 2008
Statewide footy plan to go public
By ROB SHAW


THE future of Tasmania's proposed Statewide football league remains in the hands of the clubs as the State's football body prepares to go public on its plans.
AFL Tasmania chairman Dominic Baker is expected to unveil a business plan on Monday which is likely to propose a league of 10-12 teams, evenly split between the North and the South.
North Launceston, South Launceston, Launceston, Devonport and Burnie are almost certain to be invited to join with a question mark hanging over whether Ulverstone lands a guernsey.
"We quite clearly want this to happen but at the end of the day the clubs will make their own decisions," AFL Tasmania general manager Scott Wade said yesterday.
He said that the business plan had been forwarded to all clubs being consulted who were requested to discuss it with their members and directors.
"We are not asking any club to make a commitment to the Statewide league, we are just asking them to continue discussions at this point," Wade said.
"It is up to each individual club to determine whether they will join.
"I think when the public see the business plan they will be pleasantly surprised by the detail. We are quite excited by the future of our sport in Tasmania."
Wade said that the AFL, sponsors and the State Government had all been consulted about the plan since last October.
http://northerntasmania.yourguide.c...tatewide-footy-plan-to-go-public/1248768.html
 
roorat said:
Statewide league on again

It is proposed the South be represented by North Hobart, Clarence, Glenorchy, Hobart-Sandy Bay and Lauderdale.
In the North, the teams are North Launceston, South Launceston and Launceston, and on the North-West; Devonport and Burnie.
Click to expand...

They can stick that Hobart-Sandy Bay shit fair up their arse for a start.
I suppose they'd be either running about in blue & white or maroon, gold & blue - either way, that's not Hobart. :thumbsdown:
Hobart doesn't want to join anyway.

The Mercury said:
The defunct league's name changed from the TFL, to the TSFL, and finally collapsed when it was known as the Chickenfeed Super League
http://www.news.com.au/mercury/story/0,22884,23882871-3462,00.html
Click to expand...
It was known as the SWL (Scott Wade League) when it folded in 2000...
 
$60,000 to play in state league
June 19, 2008 12:00am
FOOTBALL teams that sign on for the new-look state league competition in 2009 can expect to add about $60,000 to their operating expenses and possibly lose some gate takings to AFL Tasmania.
In the Tasmanian State League Business Plan, sent to the 10 proposed member clubs yesterday, it was revealed that AFL Tasmania would stage double-header matches aimed at reducing travel.

That AFL Tasmania has proposed it pocket the money from these "gala days" to cover the competition's running expenses has infuriated clubs.

They saw it as adding insult to injury after discovering on Tuesday that they would not get the direct cash boost of about $50,000 they expected.

Instead, $45,000 would be provided to pay for game development and promotion in each of their districts, now called zones. If clubs were to do it well, they would get a $5000 bonus.

One president said his club would use the money to employ a full-time coach, with his salary topped up by the club.

"The coach would conduct all of the functions expected of the club under the terms of the grant -- game development and promotion in schools, AusKick, and conduct district talent games and coach eduction -- as well as coach the team," the president said.

The business plan revealed the 10 clubs would "meet as a group for the first time by June 30" to discuss the planned state league.

The plan involves North Hobart, Clarence, Glenorchy, Hobart-Sandy Bay and Lauderdale in the state's South, plus North Launceston, South Launceston, Launceston, Devonport and Burnie.

Each club would field seniors and colts, including several "over-age" players.

There is provision in the plan to include teams from Kingborough and from the North-West Coast's "central region" down the track.

Another president said: "The SFL clubs voted unanimously at the last meeting not to be part of the state league in 2009. That would give them time to gauge the feeling of their members and make sure their members felt joining the state league was the right thing to do."

The business plan did not set a salary cap, but it is expected to be about $65,000 to $70,000 a season -- a significant increase on the $55,000 cap in the SFL.

"The players will be part of a higher competition, so they will have to travel and train harder, so they will want more money," a club official said.

"You are not going to get away with what you are paying them now."

AFL Tasmania believes the new competition has the potential to generate $2.5 million in revenue in its first five years.

Under the model, the state league would become Tasmania's tier-one competition, taking its place under the Devils and Mariners, and above the the various leagues and associations and tier-two, tier-three and junior clubs.

AFL Tasmania would appoint three regional state league managers to deal with the clubs' day-to-day concerns.
http://www.news.com.au/mercury/story/0,22884,23888084-13222,00.html
 
Statewide merger mess
June 20, 2008 12:00am
AFL Tasmania's dream of a Hobart-Sandy Bay merger for its new state league could be over before it begins.
The two teams were named in partnership on a draft roster of the 2009 state league home-and-away series to be sent to the 10 selected clubs on July 15.

But the arranged love match has hit the rocks.

Hobart president Philip Baker said yesterday there was not a snow flake's chance in hell of a union with the defunct Sandy Bay club that went belly-up in 1997, bankrupt beyond repair.

However, Baker left the door open for Hobart to field a joint state league venture with the Sandy Bay Junior Football Club.

The Sandy Bay young Lions already feed junior players to Hobart's senior structure.

Baker said all options would be discussed with the junior club, including a shared guernsey colour, naming the team Hobart-Sandy Bay, or having the letters SBFC on the Hobart jumper.

Using letters FFC on the guernsey was how Brisbane decided to keep alive the memory of Fitzroy.

"There are a lot of issues to work through, whether that's the outcome at the end of the day remains to be seen," Baker said.

"We've already had one meeting with them and we will continue to discuss all options in good faith.

"We have a good attitude toward it.

"Whether or not we even field a team in the state league depends on what's best for our football club," Baker said.

Sandy Bay Lions president Steven Hay said yesterday he was all for a merger -- on certain conditions.

Hay wants Sandy Bay's name to live on through the proposed Hobart-Sandy Bay state league team.

And an alliance would have to be on even terms.

"It has to be an equal partnership, and the name-change is critical," Hay said.

"That's the thing at this stage, having both identities in the new club is critical."

Talks between the two clubs had been amicable, he said.

"Initial discussions have been very constructive, but there is nothing concrete at this stage," Hay said.

"We have a fair bit to offer in a merger.

"We have got a very productive junior zone. We have a lot of parent volunteers who will develop into future leaders of the club, and we have a distinct identity with Sandy Bay.

"We offer a lot of marketing and sponsorship opportunities, plus the fact we geographically border each other."

Even though they have discussed merging, they were were surprised their proposed partnership appeared in the state league business plan.

"Nothing is official so it's fairly presumptuous for AFL Tasmania to put that information in the business plan," Hay said.

AFL Tasmania will release its business plan publicly on Monday.New Devils coach supports club merger
http://www.news.com.au/mercury/story/0,22884,23893731-13222,00.html
 
roorat said:
Statewide merger mess
June 20, 2008 12:00am
AFL Tasmania's dream of a Hobart-Sandy Bay merger for its new state league could be over before it begins.
The two teams were named in partnership on a draft roster of the 2009 state league home-and-away series to be sent to the 10 selected clubs on July 15.

But the arranged love match has hit the rocks.

Hobart president Philip Baker said yesterday there was not a snow flake's chance in hell of a union with the defunct Sandy Bay club that went belly-up in 1997, bankrupt beyond repair.

However, Baker left the door open for Hobart to field a joint state league venture with the Sandy Bay Junior Football Club.

The Sandy Bay young Lions already feed junior players to Hobart's senior structure.

Baker said all options would be discussed with the junior club, including a shared guernsey colour, naming the team Hobart-Sandy Bay, or having the letters SBFC on the Hobart jumper.

Using letters FFC on the guernsey was how Brisbane decided to keep alive the memory of Fitzroy.

"There are a lot of issues to work through, whether that's the outcome at the end of the day remains to be seen," Baker said.

"We've already had one meeting with them and we will continue to discuss all options in good faith.

"We have a good attitude toward it.

"Whether or not we even field a team in the state league depends on what's best for our football club," Baker said.

Sandy Bay Lions president Steven Hay said yesterday he was all for a merger -- on certain conditions.

Hay wants Sandy Bay's name to live on through the proposed Hobart-Sandy Bay state league team.

And an alliance would have to be on even terms.

"It has to be an equal partnership, and the name-change is critical," Hay said.

"That's the thing at this stage, having both identities in the new club is critical."

Talks between the two clubs had been amicable, he said.

"Initial discussions have been very constructive, but there is nothing concrete at this stage," Hay said.

"We have a fair bit to offer in a merger.

"We have got a very productive junior zone. We have a lot of parent volunteers who will develop into future leaders of the club, and we have a distinct identity with Sandy Bay.

"We offer a lot of marketing and sponsorship opportunities, plus the fact we geographically border each other."

Even though they have discussed merging, they were were surprised their proposed partnership appeared in the state league business plan.

"Nothing is official so it's fairly presumptuous for AFL Tasmania to put that information in the business plan," Hay said.

AFL Tasmania will release its business plan publicly on Monday.New Devils coach supports club merger
http://www.news.com.au/mercury/story/0,22884,23893731-13222,00.html
Click to expand...

I think I expected that response in there..:)
 
State league tough master
JAMES BRESNEHAN
June 21, 2008 12:00am
THE 10 proposed State League football clubs will face the toughest financial scrutiny in the history of state football, AFL Tasmania's business plan for the competition warns.
Clubs could be kicked out for operating at a loss. Their books will be audited as often as monthly.
This hard-lined measure is to try to avoid a repeat of the old statewide league that ran from 1986 to 2000, in which most clubs racked up debts in the hundreds of thousands.
Section 1.4 of AFL Tasmania's business plan, to be released publicly on Monday, for the 2009 State League states that "each club's position in the competition will be placed at risk if they do not operate in profit".
Some clubs believe it will be costly fielding a state league senior team and a Colts team, a seconds team with an age restriction of that is yet to be determined.
But AFL Tasmania expects little difference financially between operating a club in the NTFL or SFL and the new-look statewide series.
The business plan says AFL Tasmania will run the league and bear the costs, including umpiring costs ($135,000), footballs ($33,000), travel ($40,000) and holding the finals series ($30,000).
It expects to draw $200,000 in new sponsorship support to offset costs.
Section 1.3 of the plan even says: "A new Tasmanian State League has the potential to generate $2.5 million of new funding for Australian Football in Tasmania over the next five years (2009-2013)."
AFL Tasmania chairman Dominic Baker said yesterday he would respond to questions only at the business plan's official launch on Monday.
However, it is believed that part of the projected $2.5 million may come in the form of a grant from the AFL, or through AFL support to help generate a portion of the funding.
All of the target clubs -- Burnie, Devonport, Launceston, North Launceston, South Launceston, Glenorchy, North Hobart, Hobart, Clarence and Lauderdale -- received the business plan on Wednesday.
Most have since met with AFL Tasmania.
It is believed that the salary cap will be set at around $70,000, excluding the cost of a coach.
In the SFL Premier League, the salary cap is $55,000 including the coach, and in the NTFL it is $65,000 excluding the coach.
An 18-game home-and-away series roster will be released on July 15. Each club will get nine home games.
Although Devonport and Glenorchy are both Magpies, and North Launceston and Lauderdale are both Bombers, none will be made to change their guernseys and emblems.
Each team will have alternate strips for playing their duplicate.
Hobart is likely to revert to its black and yellow strip and again be know as the Tigers. At present they wear Brisbane colours and are called the Lions.
Hobart was forced to give up its jumper and emblem when it left the former Statewide League in 1998 and went to the Southern Football League, where it clashed with the Kingston Tigers.
http://www.news.com.au/mercury/story/0,22884,23897017-13222,00.html
 
Will Wade finally tell us what we need to know?
21/06/2008
IT HAS almost got to the stage of State league, shmate league.
Oops, did I really say that?
Secretly, it is all we ever talk about in The Advocate sports department.
That and whether we could start a curling league here on the Coast.
Will getting out of Scott Wade's league be like a messy divorce where he takes you for everything you've got?
http://nwtasmania.yourguide.com.au/...ally-tell-us-what-we-need-to-know/794282.aspx
 
Menza said:
Barge, I know I'm a bit late but I assume this is directed at myself.

Totally agree Barge, they could be spreading the wealth among twenty good players instead of 4 or 5 very good players.

Between 02' and when the New Norfolk connection arrived I would presume that they spent very little money.

I will admit I was part of the exodus but the victory over Glenorchy in 01' was one of the best I have been involved in, very much like Carltons win over your beloved Collingwood on the weekend.
Click to expand...

No not directed at you yourself, more so saying that you being a former Brighton player would be well aware that back when you were there they weren't shy in throwing the cash around!

Timmy Blanden never came cheap, no matter where he played!

Same could be said of a number of your then team mates.

Collingwood comment uncalled for! :mad:

Don't worry - I'll be even angrier than last week if we happen to fall against your piss poor Bombers! :p

(You watch that happen in a month's time now I've said that!)

We'll have to catch up for a chat in 2 weeks!
 
Roorat said:
"We are not asking any club to make a commitment to the Statewide league, we are just asking them to continue discussions at this point," Wade said.
Click to expand...

No, of course not!

And what about this beauty.. .........

"AFL Tasmania believes the new competition has the potential to generate $2.5 million in revenue in its first five years. "

First five years?

Who can see it lasting that long if it indeed does get off the ground?
 

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roorat said:
Statewide merger mess
June 20, 2008 12:00am
AFL Tasmania's dream of a Hobart-Sandy Bay merger for its new state league could be over before it begins.
The two teams were named in partnership on a draft roster of the 2009 state league home-and-away series to be sent to the 10 selected clubs on July 15.

But the arranged love match has hit the rocks.

Hobart president Philip Baker said yesterday there was not a snow flake's chance in hell of a union with the defunct Sandy Bay club that went belly-up in 1997, bankrupt beyond repair.

However, Baker left the door open for Hobart to field a joint state league venture with the Sandy Bay Junior Football Club.

The Sandy Bay young Lions already feed junior players to Hobart's senior structure.

Baker said all options would be discussed with the junior club, including a shared guernsey colour, naming the team Hobart-Sandy Bay, or having the letters SBFC on the Hobart jumper.

Using letters FFC on the guernsey was how Brisbane decided to keep alive the memory of Fitzroy.

"There are a lot of issues to work through, whether that's the outcome at the end of the day remains to be seen," Baker said.

"We've already had one meeting with them and we will continue to discuss all options in good faith.

"We have a good attitude toward it.

"Whether or not we even field a team in the state league depends on what's best for our football club," Baker said.

Sandy Bay Lions president Steven Hay said yesterday he was all for a merger -- on certain conditions.

Hay wants Sandy Bay's name to live on through the proposed Hobart-Sandy Bay state league team.

And an alliance would have to be on even terms.

"It has to be an equal partnership, and the name-change is critical," Hay said.

"That's the thing at this stage, having both identities in the new club is critical."

Talks between the two clubs had been amicable, he said.

"Initial discussions have been very constructive, but there is nothing concrete at this stage," Hay said.

"We have a fair bit to offer in a merger.

"We have got a very productive junior zone. We have a lot of parent volunteers who will develop into future leaders of the club, and we have a distinct identity with Sandy Bay.

"We offer a lot of marketing and sponsorship opportunities, plus the fact we geographically border each other."

Even though they have discussed merging, they were were surprised their proposed partnership appeared in the state league business plan.

"Nothing is official so it's fairly presumptuous for AFL Tasmania to put that information in the business plan," Hay said.

AFL Tasmania will release its business plan publicly on Monday.New Devils coach supports club merger
http://www.news.com.au/mercury/story/0,22884,23893731-13222,00.html
Click to expand...

How can Hobart merge with a Football Club that no longer exists and hasn't done for the past 10 and a half years?
What would Sandy Bay bring to the table?

Whilst it was sad for Sandy Bay and their past players and supporters to lose their club, it's all well and good for their prominent identities to back some 'merger', but the fact of the matter is that Hobart was in nearly four times as much debt as Sandy Bay ever were.
Hobart bit the bullet and left the TFL to join the STFL, it went through a shitload of pain and sacrifice in doing that, whilst Sandy Bay (in debt up to their eyeballs with a supporter base that had completely deserted it by that stage) were given the option of dropping back to the STFL in order to trade their way out of trouble, announced that "Sandy Bay plays in the highest standard competition available to us, otherwise we don't play at all".

So as far I'm concerned if Sandy Bay wants a presence in State League football, they can get off their backsides and reform their own club, Hobart has been through enough pain with the forced loss of its identity, then having to suffer from the disgrace of having a succession of muppets in charge who couldn't even be bothered to put in a submission to regain it - 10 and a half years down the track and they still haven't done anything about it!
Don't kill off what skeletal remains of Hobart are left in order to use it as a vehicle to bring Sandy Bay out of the wilderness thankyou kindly. :thumbsdown:
 
State league deadline
BRETT STUBBS
June 24, 2008 12:00am
INVITATIONS to join the new state league are a once-in-a-lifetime offer -- not to be repeated, warns AFL Tasmania chairman Dominic Baker.
If a minimum of eight of the 10 invited teams did not give an in-principle, written commitment by August 15, the statewide dream would be dead and buried, he said.

AFL Tasmania would turn its back on the idea and concentrate resources on the Devils and Mariners.

Baker made the blunt warning at yesterday's public launch of the state-league business plan.

"Time waits for nobody," Baker said. "We put a lot of work into this, we're not going to have it drawn out over a two- or three-year period trying to get it up.

"If it's not accepted by the clubs, we'll take that on the chin and invest in the areas we do currently manage."

Central to the business plan is a $50,000 grant that each club is to use to develop and promote the game in their area.

Baker was asked if he could guarantee no club would be worse off financially by leaving their regional competition.

"Without seeing their books, I can't guarantee it," he said.

"But if you have a look at the way we've got it set up in the business plan, they're going to get a $50,000 development grant to help nurture talent within their region. They're not going to have to pay to travel to play anywhere. They're not going to pay any levies that they currently do in their existing competitions, and the salary cap could well pan out to be exactly the same.

"That is a choice the clubs will make. If it does cost them more, it's not going to be a lot more and, in fact, we think by building a quality competition they're actually going to give themselves the ability to generate more revenue over time anyway."

The 10 clubs -- Burnie, Devonport, North Launceston, South Launceston, Launceston, Glenorchy, Hobart-Sandy Bay, Clarence, North Hobart and Lauderdale -- will meet with AFL Tasmania by July 15 to work out details.

"We're not asking clubs to commit to this business plan but we're asking clubs to sit down and work through what the details look like," Baker said. "We don't see it as our place to put that detail in for them, we see it as we should get the 10 clubs together and have them debate and discuss what their competition should look like."

The business plan proposes an 18-game roster, with clubs to meet the other teams in their own region 10 games each year to reduce travelling.

It is also hoped half of the remaining eight games would be played at home, resulting in clubs only travelling outside their region four times a year.

Baker said it was hoped some of the additional $500,000 a year needed to run the new league would come from the Tasmanian Government.

Tasmanian Sport and Recreation Minister Michelle O'Byrne said yesterday: "The State Government is already a supporter of Australian rules football, and has received a copy of AFL Tasmania's business case for a statewide league. I look forward to further discussions with AFL Tasmania regarding this proposal."What the presidents think"

Overall at a board level there wasn't too much in the business plan that came as a surprise. Most of the things had been addressed in previous meetings with AFL Tasmania.


DEVONPORT: People need to have a clear mind on this issue and not base their opinion on the previous Statewide competition.

A lot of grass roots people involved with football around this state have admitted that something has to change with football.

General Manager Jaimes Wiggins

NORTH LAUNCESTON: We at NLFC are very excited about the direction that football in Tasmania could be heading. We will work with AFL Tasmania in the coming weeks to compile a document to put to our members and obtain their thoughts.

Of what we have seen it is a well thought-out document.
President Reg Lyons

LAUNCESTON: The sub- committee met with our senior players and coaches last Thursday night who voted unanimously that it was the responsibility of the sub-committee to have them playing at the highest level of football available in Tasmania in all grades providing that any new competition is financially viable and sustainable for many years to come.
President Mark Thurlow

SOUTH LAUNCESTON: There is nothing in there we weren't expecting. We didn't think Lauderdale was on the radar but as a club it is performing quite well in the southern competition, so it was probably not unexpected anyway. The plan looks very positive.

The proposition will be put to the members at a special general meeting as soon as the operations plan is released on July 15.
President Baden Haywood

GLENORCHY: It would be fair to say that the Glenorchy Football Club does not have an attitude one way or the other as there are still too many unanswered questions.

General Manager Leigh McAdam.

NORTH HOBART: The club is currently reviewing the plan and intends to undertake a fully consultative process with its members and players before any decision.

The club acknowledges that AFL Tas are providing some financial assistance to participating clubs, however the initial offerings would appear to be less than required to satisfy our club.

The NHFC members and players need to be convinced that the proposed competition is financially viable and sustainable over a significant period of time.

The previous statewide experience has left a sizable group of members very reluctant and wary about our club's participation in another statewide competition.

Chairman Paul Curtain

CLARENCE: Did not return the Mercury's call.

HOBART: I believe it is more akin to a framework or scoping document rather than a plan.

It also makes a number of assertions that do not have underpinning reasons or principles.

HFC approaches this idea with an open mind but there are some very serious questions that remain unanswered by the plan. For example what happens to our youth pathway into senior football and the issue of increased level of expenditure without the income offset?

President Phil Baker.

LAUDERDALE: Statewide is still a very divisive issue, and I am not convinced that the south of the state is ready for it, in fact, may never be ready for it if you believe the majority opinion on the streets of greater Hobart.

From a Lauderdale perspective, we have strong emotions in regards to dismantling the very successful SFL structure, particularly given that the comp has provided the environment for more than $1 million of the previous SWL debt to be paid off by the Hobart clubs that racked it up, all paid off since 2000.

Having said all the above, we do have a positive and open mind in relation to change.

President Phil Giffard
http://www.news.com.au/mercury/story/0,22884,23913239-13222,00.html
 
roorat said:
AFL Tasmania would turn its back on the idea and concentrate resources on the Devils and Mariners.
Click to expand...
So whats different from what they do now?
What is concerning me is the proposed restructuring of the rest of the leagues if the Statewide goes ahead.
Noticed Baker on the news last night, bit unusual not to see Wade on there (the Peg Putt of AFL Tas), maybe the bad public opinion of him is forcing them to have a new spokesman.
 
Whole new game
BY CHLOE HOPE
24/06/2008
COASTAL clubs would play some "home games" at Aurora Stadium and fans are expected to put up or shut up, according to the business plan for the proposed Tasmanian State League (TSL).
http://nwtasmania.yourguide.com.au/news/local/sport/afl/whole-new-game/795536.aspxhttp://www.bigfooty.com/forum/l HYPERLINK l

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roorat said:
State league deadline
BRETT STUBBS
June 24, 2008 12:00am
INVITATIONS to join the new state league are a once-in-a-lifetime offer -- not to be repeated, warns AFL Tasmania chairman Dominic Baker.
If a minimum of eight of the 10 invited teams did not give an in-principle, written commitment by August 15, the statewide dream would be dead and buried, he said.

AFL Tasmania would turn its back on the idea and concentrate resources on the Devils and Mariners.

Baker made the blunt warning at yesterday's public launch of the state-league business plan.

"Time waits for nobody," Baker said. "We put a lot of work into this, we're not going to have it drawn out over a two- or three-year period trying to get it up.

"If it's not accepted by the clubs, we'll take that on the chin and invest in the areas we do currently manage."

Central to the business plan is a $50,000 grant that each club is to use to develop and promote the game in their area.

Baker was asked if he could guarantee no club would be worse off financially by leaving their regional competition.

"Without seeing their books, I can't guarantee it," he said.

"But if you have a look at the way we've got it set up in the business plan, they're going to get a $50,000 development grant to help nurture talent within their region. They're not going to have to pay to travel to play anywhere. They're not going to pay any levies that they currently do in their existing competitions, and the salary cap could well pan out to be exactly the same.

"That is a choice the clubs will make. If it does cost them more, it's not going to be a lot more and, in fact, we think by building a quality competition they're actually going to give themselves the ability to generate more revenue over time anyway."

The 10 clubs -- Burnie, Devonport, North Launceston, South Launceston, Launceston, Glenorchy, Hobart-Sandy Bay, Clarence, North Hobart and Lauderdale -- will meet with AFL Tasmania by July 15 to work out details.

"We're not asking clubs to commit to this business plan but we're asking clubs to sit down and work through what the details look like," Baker said. "We don't see it as our place to put that detail in for them, we see it as we should get the 10 clubs together and have them debate and discuss what their competition should look like."

The business plan proposes an 18-game roster, with clubs to meet the other teams in their own region 10 games each year to reduce travelling.

It is also hoped half of the remaining eight games would be played at home, resulting in clubs only travelling outside their region four times a year.

Baker said it was hoped some of the additional $500,000 a year needed to run the new league would come from the Tasmanian Government.

Tasmanian Sport and Recreation Minister Michelle O'Byrne said yesterday: "The State Government is already a supporter of Australian rules football, and has received a copy of AFL Tasmania's business case for a statewide league. I look forward to further discussions with AFL Tasmania regarding this proposal."What the presidents think"

Overall at a board level there wasn't too much in the business plan that came as a surprise. Most of the things had been addressed in previous meetings with AFL Tasmania.


DEVONPORT: People need to have a clear mind on this issue and not base their opinion on the previous Statewide competition.

A lot of grass roots people involved with football around this state have admitted that something has to change with football.

General Manager Jaimes Wiggins

NORTH LAUNCESTON: We at NLFC are very excited about the direction that football in Tasmania could be heading. We will work with AFL Tasmania in the coming weeks to compile a document to put to our members and obtain their thoughts.

Of what we have seen it is a well thought-out document.
President Reg Lyons

LAUNCESTON: The sub- committee met with our senior players and coaches last Thursday night who voted unanimously that it was the responsibility of the sub-committee to have them playing at the highest level of football available in Tasmania in all grades providing that any new competition is financially viable and sustainable for many years to come.
President Mark Thurlow

SOUTH LAUNCESTON: There is nothing in there we weren't expecting. We didn't think Lauderdale was on the radar but as a club it is performing quite well in the southern competition, so it was probably not unexpected anyway. The plan looks very positive.

The proposition will be put to the members at a special general meeting as soon as the operations plan is released on July 15.
President Baden Haywood

GLENORCHY: It would be fair to say that the Glenorchy Football Club does not have an attitude one way or the other as there are still too many unanswered questions.

General Manager Leigh McAdam.

NORTH HOBART: The club is currently reviewing the plan and intends to undertake a fully consultative process with its members and players before any decision.

The club acknowledges that AFL Tas are providing some financial assistance to participating clubs, however the initial offerings would appear to be less than required to satisfy our club.

The NHFC members and players need to be convinced that the proposed competition is financially viable and sustainable over a significant period of time.

The previous statewide experience has left a sizable group of members very reluctant and wary about our club's participation in another statewide competition.

Chairman Paul Curtain

CLARENCE: Did not return the Mercury's call.

HOBART: I believe it is more akin to a framework or scoping document rather than a plan.

It also makes a number of assertions that do not have underpinning reasons or principles.

HFC approaches this idea with an open mind but there are some very serious questions that remain unanswered by the plan. For example what happens to our youth pathway into senior football and the issue of increased level of expenditure without the income offset?

President Phil Baker.

LAUDERDALE: Statewide is still a very divisive issue, and I am not convinced that the south of the state is ready for it, in fact, may never be ready for it if you believe the majority opinion on the streets of greater Hobart.

From a Lauderdale perspective, we have strong emotions in regards to dismantling the very successful SFL structure, particularly given that the comp has provided the environment for more than $1 million of the previous SWL debt to be paid off by the Hobart clubs that racked it up, all paid off since 2000.

Having said all the above, we do have a positive and open mind in relation to change.

President Phil Giffard
http://www.news.com.au/mercury/story/0,22884,23913239-13222,00.html
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Interesting reading from the Mercury re: that August 15 deadline. And from the club presidents/chairmans, it looks like the North are leaning towards it, but the South are against the idea.

All it takes is three clubs to defeat the idea, and I think from reading the responses there'll be potentially more than three that will back away from the proposal. Hobart and North Hobart are clearly against the idea, and really would they (Hobart) want to merge?? North Hobart I'd doubt they would be going ahead simply cause of a lack of trust of AFL Tas.

The only two clubs that surprised me in their responses were South L'ton and Lauderdale. I would have thought the financial side of things would have killed off South and Lauderdale would have been all for it...
 
Apparently the 18 SFL clubs voted unanimously that they had no interest in a statewide comp in 2009. This information was passed on to Mr. Wade who has totally ignored it, as has the media.
 
If they are so desperate to reignite the old Sandy Bay Football Club, then why didn't they leave Lauderdale out of it and have a Kingborough team merge with the Sandy Bay team and then leave Hobart as a stand-alone club. Then leave the option for a Sorell/Lauderdale team in the future. Brighton appear to have been totally left out despite it being the fastest growing area in the state. Maybe AFL Tas feel that Glenorchy will be representative of the northern suburbs including New Norfolk.
 
I have real trouble understanding AFL Tasmania, they say they are going to have blockbusters games and Burnie and Devonport will play games in Launceston to make things easier for travelling southern teams, hasnt anybody at AFL TAS realised NOBODY ( supporters ) travelled in the old statewide to games at the other end of the state, in those days petrol was 75 cents a litre, Now $1.60, unfortunatley i cannot see many familys jumping in there car and travelling to a game of footy at the end of the state. No supporters = NO MONEY and no money = NO CLUB
 

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