The club was fined $2000 for the melee with Old Scotch and, despite efforts to improve its attitude towards violence, 44 players have decided not to re-sign for the upcoming season.

The Northern Tasmanian Football Association yesterday confirmed it would cancel the club’s membership if it could not register a team by 6.15pm today.

The two parties will meet at St Leonards Athletics Centre tonight where a final decision on the club’s 133-year future will be made.

Fingal president Robert Parsons and senior vice-president Michael Brown yesterday made a desperate plea for 20 to 25 new players, saying the club had turned over a new leaf and was looking for responsible young men to lead it into the future.

‘‘That brawl dragged the Fingal Valley name to its lowest point ever,’’ Brown said.

‘‘There’s a stigma about our club now and it has been difficult to find support. But we want to change that. We will never get the club back if it folds.’’

One of the oldest clubs in Tasmania, Fingal was founded in 1886 and has won 19 premierships and been runner-up in 15 grand finals.

Within the NTFA, the club also won two senior grand finals.

But NTFA general manager Robert Anderson said the club had caused a lot of headaches.

‘‘We have had a conversation with Fingal Valley Football Club about the possibility of them going into recess,’’ he said.

‘‘There are 10 other clubs hanging in the balance on this as well, because the draws have already been done for the season.’’

Anyone looking to play for Fingal Valley can contact Michael Brown on 0467022903.

The NTFA Division 2 competition is due to begin on April 11 when Fingal is scheduled to play the Tamar Cats.