A bitterly disappointed Burnie coach Clint Proctor has blasted the leadership of the State League after the Dockers were told to hit the highway for their first semi-final against Lauderdale.
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Despite having West Park hosting rights, the Dockers’ do-or-die encounter with the Southern Bombers will be at Launceston’s Aurora Stadium on Saturday, with State League general manager Carl Saunder telling Fairfax Media predicted heavy rain in Burnie this week played a role in the decision.
Rain is predicted Tuesday-Thursday, with 10-20 millimetres Tuesday.
“This will also allow us to play our semi-finals at an AFL-standard venue, and will give us a chance to play our seniors and development league at the one venue,’’ Saunder said.
That reasoning does not sit well with Proctor, who believed the decision goes against the State League finals venue policy, which says West Park can be a host venue in the first two weeks.
Not being given a chance to prove the ground is up to scratch through ground inspections has also left a sour taste for Proctor.
“In the end, Carl and those at AFL Tasmania need to make the correct decision within the policy and follow through on that, and I think they have gone back on that,’’ Proctor said.
Proctor said they would embrace playing on Aurora Stadium, having tasted victory against North Launceston there earlier this month.
Saturday’s semi-final will be at 2pm.
Alex Fair
Deputy Editor of The Advocate on the North-West Coast of Tasmania.
Deputy Editor of The Advocate on the North-West Coast of Tasmania.
