The prospect of two TSL clubs playing their first grand final meeting in Launceston since their NTFA days back in 1985 has been ruled out.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
AFL Tasmania says there is no flexibility over moving the biggest game of the year from Bellerive Oval into a smaller Windsor Park should Launceston on Saturday win its preliminary final.
The venue has potential to rob thousands of Northern fans wanting to avoid a four-hour road trip to Hobart.
Tickets have been sold for a Bellerive function after it was announced before the season that the grand final would be in Hobart for just the second time since 2011.
General manager of the Tasmanian State League Carl Saunder said AFL Tasmania should not be to blame for North Launceston losing its home ground advantage.
Council's call to resurface UTAS Stadium in the football season to better prepare the ground for a multiple Hobart Hurricanes T20 matches has forced AFL Tasmania's hand.
"We have known all year UTAS Stadium was going to be unavailable," he said.
"We worked really closely with the West Tamar council right back to January about what were the possibilities of accessing Windsor Park throughout our finals series.
"I think in weeks one and two it worked really well, and yesterday was a terrific day.
"Unfortunately, when it comes to a grand final, there is a number of other factors that come into play, some of which is understanding our spectator needs."
Windsor Park is the only TSL ground in the state that does not have grandstands, adequate cover or seating.
Saunder said a crowd in excess of 5000 would also have to exclude cars entering Windsor Park and deal with traffic management issues.
A suitable presentation stage, an adequate audio system, more toilets and general amenities were among surmountable considerations.
TIME TO DECIDE:
- AFL need to believe, says Brad Green
- Q&A: Chris Fagan on Tasmania's bid for an AFL team
- 'There's a thirst': Brady, Thorp, Sanders talk logistics
- Tasmanian AFL team: Getting the economics right
- Footy pathway needs earlier start: Sanders
- Time for Tas to sever team ties, says former AFL boss
- Editorial: Now is the time to believe
- AFL bid is now or never
- Sign the pledge here
"So if we get a day like we did at last year's grand final, which was a very average weather day, it makes it really hard for spectators to cover and stay dry," he said.
"There are a whole heap of reasons why and when you weigh it all up, unfortunately, that it is not possible to find a grand final venue in the North of the state this year."
Saunder has spoken to North Launceston officials about supplying supporter buses to Hobart and encourages others to watch the TSL live stream online for free.
Coach Taylor Whitford said he had no issues with North travelling down south for the September 21 grand final - regardless of the next opponent - since his side last did so in a 2015 title win.
"It is what it is," he said.
"We have always known if we were to make it that it was going to be in Hobart anyway coming into the year.
"We realistically did know after last year to be honest when our ground's work was pushed back, so mentally we're fine and physically we know the ground quite well."
AFL Tasmania was happy to provide minor premier North Launceston an option to hold its second semi-final at Windsor Park or in Hobart.
Bombers president Thane Brady left the decision up to Whitford and his playing group that had all elected to play the encounter with Lauderdale at Launceston's home ground on Sunday.
That luxury that has been afforded for the first team to reach the grand final to play hosts was scrapped for the first time since North Hobart Oval hosted the 1999 decider in the penultimate season of the original State League.
The TSL broke with that 77-year tradition - that had included 14 seasons under the statewide banner - when the then-York Park was the venue ahead of the Northern Bombers' 2000 game before the competition went into recess for eight seasons.
Whitford said the Bombers want to play in front of the biggest crowds on one of the two best state grounds.
"We're backing of that. They're AFL standard venues so why would you want to play anywhere else?" he said.
Do you know a junior sports star who calls Northern Tasmania home? Nominate them today.
While you're with us, did you know that you can now sign up to receive breaking news updates direct to your inbox? Sign up here.
Subscriptions are available here.