Tasmania Football Club

[MightyFighting]

Geography lessons aside; in my opinion admitting this club is the smartest thing the VFL has done in a long time (although 99.99% of the credit probably belongs to Football Tasmania).

The Devils are the closest thing the VFL has to a cash-cow (and we're talking about a league with a great need for something mercantile and bovine right now). If the league could have several more clubs like it; it might then have the nessessary funds to say goodbye to the AFL reserves. The problem is; where?

Tasmania has always been devided into 3 regions; the South, the North, and the North-West. It's fair to say only the southeners have really got behind the Devils. Only in Hobart have they got good (cash-cow sized) crowds. If each region had their own team they would probably all get strong local support (and the Tassie derbies would be good). The problem is players. Could these teams get enough quality players to be successful? If the VFL ditched the AFL reserves they could, but probably not now.

Where else?
Canberra is a reasonable sized city not too far from Victoria with a large football following. The problem is; that city already has an NRL team and a Super 12 team so it would be a risk. However, if they could get AFL-NSW/ACT to back the plan it might be worth a try.

Darwin is a footy town and has tried to enter a team in the SANFL in the past. No doubt a Darwin team would be competitive and popular, but the travel costs would be high and the climate unforgiving.

Not too many options; no easy answers, but worth a thought. Remember; sponsorships are worth lot more in a league with national exposure.

[The Scarecrow]

It's sad to see the crowds up North aren't that strong, but I guess with the AFL up there, they have decided to follow the AFL rather then the local team. I haven't been to a game this season, or the last two, been too busy to get along to a game. Next year, if I can find some time I might get along and see a few games,

[MightyFighting]

Originally posted by The Scarecrow
It's sad to see the crowds up North aren't that strong, but I guess with the AFL up there, they have decided to follow the AFL rather then the local team. I haven't been to a game this season, or the last two, been too busy to get along to a game. Next year, if I can find some time I might get along and see a few games, The ABC said the reason is parochialism, that northeners won't support an all Tasmania team. That's one reason why I suggested splitting the club into three.

[The Scarecrow]

I think the North-West would have a problem with players, because most of them are farmers, rather then major footballers. It could be a good idea, if it was a few years ago, when there were a lot of players that were generally footballers. I think the South haven't got many players that are able to compete at VFL level. Some are too old, and some are only good enough to play Country football.


In the early 90's we had a big amount of good footballers running around, every team had players that could of, taken the big step into the VFL, or even AFL.

[MightyFighting]

You mean those good players have left Tasmania, presumably because there isn't a league good enough for them?

You're making my points for me. :)

[The Scarecrow]

SFL - Average (Regional league are only county footballers, would be killed if put up against decent opponents.)

NTFL - Has a strong league, not supporter wise, but talent wise, with many are main land players that have come over.

NTFA/NTFU - County Farmers leauge basically.

I would say North and South would be good, as for North-West there isn't much out there. Been to see a game up there, wasn't the greatest day of footy.

[MightyFighting]

Originally posted by The Scarecrow
I would say North and South would be good, as for North-West there isn't much out there. Been to see a game up there, wasn't the greatest day of footy. Shurely having a VFL team there would increase the level of football being played, wouldn't it?

[The Scarecrow]

Originally posted by MightyFighting
Shurely having a VFL team there would increase the level of football being played, wouldn't it?

SFL Premier League has come along way, once some of the younger kids mature, things will be looking up. I think that is the problem with the SFL not much experience these days.

[MightyFighting]

I figure that it would indicate to everyone that there is a path, a future for footballers (who are growing up in the area) if they are good enough.

[MightyFighting]

I'd be interested to know from any Northern Tasmanians, North-Western Tasmanians and Canberrans, here, whether they would support their own VFL team if they had one.

[Bananabender]

How about a joint venture team called Canberra but also containing Sydney Swans players and playing some games in Canberra and some in Sydney?

[MightyFighting]

Originally posted by Bananabender
How about a joint venture team called Canberra but also containing Sydney Swans players and playing some games in Canberra and some in Sydney? That's not a bad idea. (Although ultimately myself and most VFL supporters would like to see the AFL reserves seperated from the VFL comp.)

[Pessimistic]

SEAFL

South east australia football league.

2 tassie teams, a riverina, a murray/ovens, a canberra, a sydney (or two)

Add the vfl and afl reserves and play conferences to reduce travel.

Each team either an afl affilliate or a composite side from a local league.

[MightyFighting]

Originally posted by Pessimistic
SEAFL

South east australia football league.

2 tassie teams, a riverina, a murray/ovens, a canberra, a sydney (or two)

Add the vfl and afl reserves and play conferences to reduce travel.

Each team either an afl affilliate or a composite side from a local league. Why not call it the 'AFA'?

[MightyFighting]

They should think about a team in the Latrobe valley, as long as it's not the Tarralgon Maroons. ;)