As TSL powerhouses North Launceston and Launceston chew over the rumoured demise of the State League from next season, the NTFA has proposed an “unrelated” restructure which would see the competition split into three tiers. 

Bellinger credited NTFA president Paul Reynolds with showing strong leadership and vision at a tough time for Tasmanian football. 

“The way that Paul and his board are being proactive for the sustainability and future of the NTFA has been absolutely first class,” Bellinger said.

“We’re really grateful to have a board that’s being transparent and proactive and trying to work with the clubs to be sustainable.”

Reynolds and deputy Scott Rigby visited Perth on Monday night following a meeting with club presidents earlier this month.

The state’s shortage of youth players, clear talent pathways and volunteers were among issues to be addressed on the night. 

“We’ve got fantastic talent right across the state,” Bellinger said.

“Whatever the powers that be come up with, we need to make it so that these young kids who have talent and futures within an AFL system have got the right opportunity to have that talent identified and then a clear pathway for them to be able to fulfil their goal which is obviously playing AFL football.”

Recommendations from the statewide football review are expected to be released publicly on June 30.