UTAS Stadium surface upgrades have been delayed until early next year, paving the way for Northern Tasmanian State League clubs to earn the right to host the 2018 grand final.
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The major works were originally locked in for later this year, forcing the TSL to declare that the decider – even if North Launceston or Launceston earned hosting rights – would be played at Bellerive Oval.
However, Launceston City Council general manager Michael Stretton said on Thursday that plans have been put off in fear of losing Big Bash cricket at the venue.
“Last year’s inaugural Big Bash game in Launceston was not secured when the initial planning for this project was completed,” he said.
“Once we did complete the detailed project planning for resurfacing, the risk of any potential time delays due to inclement weather or any other unforeseen situation arising, it was deemed to be too much of a risk to ignore.
Stretton said he expects the works to now take place directly after Hawthorn’s final AFL Launceston fixture of 2019.
The council was heavily criticised by North Launceston president Thane Brady for a lack of consultation about the initial upgrade schedule, but Stretton said he had been in discussions with AFL Tasmania and North Launceston since.
“This now means that UTAS Stadium will be available to host TSL finals in 2018, if either or both of the Northern clubs are involved,” he said.
“We've also been in discussions with both the Northern Bombers and AFL Tasmania around the 2019 TSL roster season to ensure any impact on ground availability is well understood by all parties prior to the season kicking off."
North Launceston coach Taylor Whitford said it is a positive move for Northern Tasmanian football.
“It doesn’t affect us unless we make the grand final and we earn the right to host it, but if we do it’s a great thing for Launceston,” Whitford said.
“It’s the best ground in the state.”
The grand final will be played in the region of the second semi-final winner, which TSL manager Carl Saunder said was “fantastic news”.
“This news means it will be business as usual with all finals to be played across our two approved finals venues (Bellerive Oval and UTAS Stadium)… as per previous years” he said.
This year's TSL grand final clashes with the Northern Tasmanian Football Association division 1 decider at Windsor Park on Saturday, September 15.
Corey Martin
Having started at The Examiner as a cadet in 2009, I have held various positions telling the stories of Northern Tasmanians in sport and news. I was appointed deputy editor in 2019 and became editor in September 2021.
Having started at The Examiner as a cadet in 2009, I have held various positions telling the stories of Northern Tasmanians in sport and news. I was appointed deputy editor in 2019 and became editor in September 2021.
