The future of the TSLW could be threatened by a push to start the season in June, says North Launceston president Thane Brady.
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AFL Tasmania recently informed State League clubs of its desire to move the competition from an April 25 start date this season to a mid-June opening round in 2020, with the intent of making space for Tasmania's debut season in the women's NAB League.
The state's Devils representatives would then be able to return for the beginning of the TSLW season, which would kick off more than two months after the TSL.
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Brady said a recent survey conducted by AFL Tasmania showed TSLW players were overwhelmingly in favour of playing a longer season, and that a June start date would likely mean fewer games for each side.
"A June start would be disastrous for us in terms of player retention and trying to build a one-club culture, but we do not presume to speak for everybody in terms of respective impacts," Brady said.
"What I do believe we all agree on is that a mid-year commencement would seriously effect the sustainability of the competition.
"The fact that an under-18 competition is seen as more important and the roster can be dramatically overhauled without any consultation or concern for the clubs is both disrespectful and dictatorial."
The TSLW expanded from five teams to six in 2019, with North Launceston and Lauderdale joining the competition and Burnie dropping out.
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Launceston's regional competition, the NTFAW, enjoyed similar growth under its first season of NTFA management with Old Scotch, Bridgenorth and Old Launcestonians replacing Rocherlea.
NTFA president Scott Rigby indicated last month the NTFAW would look to expand on its 13-round season in 2020 following demand from players.
Such a move would likely see the NTFAW begin more than two months before the TSLW, providing a dilemma for over-18 footballers.
Brady and Launceston president Sandra Boland both agreed a June start date would see TSLW players either double up at, or move to, regional clubs in order to play football earlier in the year.
"We don't want to lose them to [regional football] and if they do go to that and then play with us they'll play footy way too long," Boland said.
"So it's about finding that balance and the players being in the right position for themselves.
"We will work with the other clubs to find out what is the best solution."
AFL Tasmania is expected to release official details regarding the TSLW and girls' Devils program in the coming weeks.
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