Bridport and the East Coast Swans will play in the NTFA in 2017 after the Northern Tasmanian Football Association voted to admit them to their division 2 roster.
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The NTFA council, comprising club representatives and board members, met at their offices on Tuesday night to vote on their applications.
The two clubs had previously made formal representations to the NTFA council with the full knowledge of the NEFU, highlighting the need for football to remain a part of the social fabric of their communities.
“The majority of the council membership voted to admit both clubs to the NTFA and they will be included in the division 2 roster for season 2017,” an NTFA statement said.
NTFA president Ian Morrison advised the respective club officials of the council’s decision after the meeting.
“The NTFA welcomes the two new clubs into its membership,” he said.
“There are a number of reforms in train regarding Australian Rules football in Northern Tasmania to ensure we provide an inclusive competition and a supported pathway for our young people to be the best they can be.”
Morrison said some clubs had voted against the decision and increased travel costs had been a concern but he thought those concerns could be overcome.
“There have been a couple of scenarios put forward but nothing is set in black and white yet.”
The decision leaves the two remaining NEFU clubs in Winnaleah and Scottsdale Crows in football limbo.
Morrison said those clubs were given the opportunity to apply to join the NTFA but had chosen not to do so.
Tasmanian Football Council general manager Jackson Hills said that AFL Tasmania had been working closely with the NEFU, their member clubs and the NTFA through a “tricky situation.”
“The decision was taken last night for the betterment of two clubs so we wish them the best of luck for the 2017 season,” Hills said.
“For the remaining two clubs the Scottsdale Crows and Winnaleah – we will continue to work with them for opportunities for their kids and players for next year as well.”
Hills said AFL Tasmania had planned for meetings in Launceston on Wednesday and Thursday nights with the NTJFA and the NEFU.
“We will be having a pre-arranged meeting with the NTJFA and a number of junior stakeholders to discuss options for the juniors and on Thursday we have a pre-arranged meeting with the NEFU.
“Now we know the decision that has been made we will be working through the various models with them as well.”