The State League grand final will be played at Bellerive Oval even if both Launceston and Northern Bombers make the decider.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
TSL manager Carl Saunder confirmed on Tuesday there were no circumstances by which the grand final would be played in the North, where Windsor Park would loom as a prime candidate.
North appears favourite to reach a sixth-straight grand final after winning its third-straight minor flag, while the Blues boast a 5-3 record against the three teams they would need to beat to make the decider should North win its semi-final.
RELATED: Bombers leave UTAS until 2020
Saunder said the TSL would support clubs should an all-Northern grand final eventuate, and confirmed UTAS Stadium would return as a potential grand final venue from next season after ongoing resurfacing works.
"We knew going into the 2019 season that the unavailability of UTAS Stadium would cause some one-off logistical challenges for the fixturing of the finals series," Saunder said.
"If the grand final match-up of North Launceston and Launceston was to eventuate, we would work closely with both clubs to organise ways for supporters to get to Hobart to show their support, while the game will again be available to watch online via the live stream.
"All our clubs have been understanding of the unique circumstances we face this year as a one-off."
ELSEWHERE IN SPORT
The TSL has been in discussions with West Tamar Council since January concerning the possibility of a Windsor Park grand final.
Saunder said grand final day's "unique set of challenges" including catering for up to six different clubs and a potential five-figure crowd made Bellerive the most suitable host.
"We need to consider things such as amenities for patrons, traffic management in and out of the venue and staging and PA requirements," he said.
"Also Windsor Park has limited seating and cover for spectators which would be a challenge if we face wet weather like we did last year."
The news comes in the midst of a winter which has seen the North flourish in State League competitions, with Northern Hawks and Cavaliers set to meet in an all-Northern netball grand final on Saturday and Devonport poised to retain the NPL Tasmania title on Wednesday.
The TSL player of the year award is a two-horse race between Northern bulls Fletcher Seymour and Brad Cox-Goodyer, who is also within three goals of the league goalkicking award.
Know a junior sport star? Make a nomination for our 2019 Junior Sports Awards here.