If Launceston defeat Lauderdale on Saturday, this year's State League grand final looms as one of the biggest occasions in Launceston sporting history.
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It will be a golden opportunity missed.
The unavailability of UTAS Stadium due to resurfacing work has been known about all season and TSL general manager Carl Saunder is correct to point out that all clubs agreed well in advance that any grand final was to be played at Bellerive Oval.
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But the dominant topic of discussion among the crowd for North Launceston's second semi-final victory at Windsor Park on Sunday was why the same venue could not be used again for the competition decider on September 21.
A board on the main stand at the ground proudly proclaims that Launceston Football Club was established in 1875. North Launceston followed along in 1893.
They are two of the oldest clubs not just in Tasmania but Australia and have not met in a grand final since an NTFA decider in 1985.
While both cubs would send plenty of supporters to the capital, it will be a fraction of the number that would attend if they were playing in their home town.
And the number of Hobart supporters likely to attend would be about the same number of Launceston fans who would be rushing along if UTAS Stadium was hosting a Glenorchy versus Lauderdale showdown.
North have made the last five grand finals and average 5625 for those at their home ground. It would mean giving up home-ground advantage, but playing their cross-town rivals would suggest even more would pack into Windsor Park.
The TSL say the venue can't hold more than 5000 without safety issues while discussions with West Tamar Council had failed to resolve concerns about cover, toilets, a stage, audio system and car parking.
None of these hurdles are insurmountable. The attendance could be capped at a safe figure, all the amenities could be temporarily provided and, with the vast expanses available at the neighbouring Windsor complex and Riverside Olympic Soccer Club, there is probably more car parking available than at Bellerive Oval.
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