A firm decision on the 2020 State League season is set to be made next week and clubs are increasingly optimistic the campaign will go ahead.
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AFL Tasmania last week agreed to help explore a 'financially effective model' to get the season off the ground following a series of meetings with club presidents.
Stage three restrictions starting July 13 cap gatherings at 100 people - stripping teams of several key income sources - yet clubs are unanimously enthusiastic about the prospect of getting on the park in 2020.
"All stakeholders are working hard to make this happen," Launceston president Sandra Boland said.
"The clubs, AFL Tas and the government have worked closely together searching for funding to support a low-cost model.
"Launceston has a great supporting membership base to generate some revenue and will endeavour to negotiate with our partners to reduce and cut costs where we can.
"The players are keen to play any season, no matter the length, at this point in time. We are aiming for cost neutral at a minimum."
TALENT PATHWAY
The importance of supporting Tasmania's teenage talent has been a key consideration in discussions between TSL clubs and the AFL.
Tasmania's under-18 girls team got two games into its inaugural NAB League season before coronavirus put the season on ice, while the boys equivalent is yet to play for points in 2020.
Devils players were told to return to their clubs earlier this month and with NAB League looking unlikely to return until later in the year, the State League appears a crucial training ground for Tasmania's draft hopes.
"Trying to avoid a talent black hole is reason enough to apply all focus and energy into making a 2020 season happen," North Launceston president Thane Brady said.
"With the Devils programs shut down the TSL and TSLW are the last hope for young talented female and male athletes with AFL and AFLW ambitions.
"This is why the State League is different to community footy."
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Brady said it was not just players in their draft year, but also those approaching it, who would be disadvantaged if a State League season didn't go ahead.
"Talented under-16s play TSL Development League - Tarryn Thomas an example," he said.
"The journey to senior State League football and onto AFL is an investment in consistency, developing throughout teenage years.
"Talented athletes require guidance, structure, mentoring, quality coaching and of upmost importance, competition. If we fail to deliver these things the ramifications from a talent perspective could linger for the next three years.
"Generally, there is only one chance to get drafted therefore it would be tragic if we cannot deliver structured training and a competition."
WELLBEING FACTOR
Clubs were restricted to training in pairs until Monday, when restrictions eased to allow groups of up to 10.
The eased restrictions will cater for more of the social engagement that exists within organised sport and will expand training options for players and coaches alike.
"Getting a season away is very important to Launceston, its members and supporters, players, family and friends and the general community," Boland said.
"We believe physical activity contributes to the health and wellbeing, both physical and mental, of our players.
"It makes communities stronger and after the last few months of restricted life activities it provides everyone with something to look forward to.
"Our senior coach Mitch Thorp has provided great leadership for men and women, senior and junior, implementing drills and running meetings within state guidelines and restrictions and has had an incredible response across the board.
"I am so proud of all our coaches, players and support staff and the work that has been done to keep everyone safe but as physically and mentally fit as can be."
The TSL had been set to begin on April 4 before the coronavirus outbreak saw all football postponed on March 16. The TSLW fixture had not yet been announced.
The Darwin Football Association became the first Tasmanian league to call off its season last weekend, with others including the NTFA and SFL still to decide on a path forward.