The major works will see the venue closed for the back-half of the football season, forcing the reigning State League premiers to find a new home.

TSL general manager Carl Saunder confirmed that next year’s grand and preliminary finals would be played at Bellerive Oval – regardless of the two teams participating.

A set of circumstances that has left Brady bemused.

“We were not consulted in any way by the council on the decision to close the stadium, even though we pay to utilise the facilities,” he said.

“The council could not either discuss the plans or even notify us directly – we found out via AFL Tas.

“It’s very disappointing, however, not surprising that local sport has to pay the price for AFL and now BBL.

“We are a significant club in Launceston with over 300 players and growing each year not to mention the thousands of stakeholders, many of whom are rate payers of the LCC – it’s a slap in the face for all of us.”

Brady said the decision would impact the club’s football program in a year that it will be chasing its fourth premiership in five seasons.

“Can you imagine the disappointment of ratepayers and the greater Northern community if the 2018 grand final is between Launceston and North Launceston played at Bellerive Oval?” he said

“Many within my club hold the view the council simply don't care about anything that happens here outside of Hawthorn. This discussion without consultation won’t help change those opinions.”

Council general manager Michael Stretton said the stadium surface was long overdue for its first makeover since 1999.

“The normal lifespan for a playing surface of this standard is about 10 years. The work we need to undertake involves replacing the entire surface, stabilising the base, constructing new drainage, and laying new turf,” Stretton said.

“As discussed at the August council meeting, the council is establishing a turf farm to allow this work to take place in the shortest possible time frame. We don't yet have firm timelines for when the work will take place, but we will certainly be discussing it with all stakeholders when we do.”

Stretton said the AFL draw will determine the time frame and that the council had informed AFL Tasmania about the stadium’s unavailability for next year’s finals series. “Using 2017 as an example, North Launceston only had one home game at UTAS Stadium post the last AFL match… they will continue to have access to the change rooms, gym and social club,” he said.

“A similar circumstance occurred at Bellerive Oval a number of years ago in which all TSL finals games were transferred to other venues.

“All we can ask is that people understand the work will benefit them in the long term, and that any short term pain will be worth it."

Stretton said this year’s schedule that included Nitro Circus, cricket, rugby 7s, high school finals, NTJFA gala days, three fun runs and more on top of TSL and AFL demonstrated it was a venue for the whole community.