Devonport president Gerard Enniss has apologised for his club’s untimely withdrawal from the State League for 2018, but is adamant it is the right decision if the Magpies wish to have a sustainable future.
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On a dramatic day for Tasmanian football, the club confirmed it would not participate in the competition next season, with the inability to field a competitive team the motivation for that call.
The Pies still plan to field teams in the NWFL.
The timing of the decision disappointed AFL Tasmania, coming just two days after the release of next year’s fixture.
“Clubs are well within their rights to make choices, the choice not to play in the TSL is Devonport’s right but it is the lack of communication in recent months that has blindsided us,” State League General Manager Carl Saunder said on Thursday.
“We held a TSL meeting on the 28th of November to finalise our fixture and at no stage did Devonport FC give any indication of withdrawing from the TSL. We released our fixture this week …we have been blindsided by the club’s withdrawal.”
Despite the fact the city won’t be represented in the highest level of the game in the state, Enniss said the club was still “committed to our region and our talent and we will continue to work hard and invest in Devonport people”.
“This decision has not been made lightly, it is a decision made with the future sustainability of the football club at the forefront,’’ Enniss said.
“At this time, the best course of action for our club is to compete in the NWFL and withdraw from the TSL, as we stabilise our proud football club.
“We need to focus our energies on strengthening our club and to do that we need to withdraw from the TSL to regenerate our playing stocks.
“Regarding a return to the Tasmanian State League, when our club is strong again let me say nothing is ruled out, never say never is a cliché that fits this situation.”
The only major signing for the TSL side the club had unveiled was former VFL player Jarryd Drew as an assistant to Simon Dent. The club had lost the services of players like Brayden Butler, Dylan Riley, Brodie Connelly and former coach Mitch Thorp from its 2017 list.
Devonport’s announcement came months after Burnie exited the NWFL to enter the Development League.
Saunder confirmed work would start immediately on a restructured eight-team roster for next season.
AFL Tasmania’s Talent Academy and TSL management will work with players and clubs to ensure those from the Devonport zone have the opportunity to play in the TSL.
“We are dedicated to ensuring the pathway for Devonport talent to play TSL remains despite the club’s withdrawal,’’ Saunder said.