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State Leagues  

Forget the Red Devils, where's Tasmania?

Wednesday, June 09, 2010

by
The Central Coast Mariners have confirmed another date in their Pre-Season diary, with a trip to Launceston planned. They will meet Melbourne Victory on Sunday, July 25th, in what will be the 5th A-league encounter at Aurora Stadium. Previous pre-season clashes have involved the Victory facing fierce rivals Adelaide United.

Mariners’ Assistant Coach Tony Walmsley, who has ties to the state after coaching there earlier in his career, had this to say about football in the state:

“I have many wonderful memories from my time in Tasmania, it’s a great part of the world and they are very passionate football fans.

“I actually went to the Victory’s trial with Adelaide last season and there were about 6,000 people making plenty of noise, so I’m sure it will be a great atmosphere.

“My dad still lives down there as well, so it’s really exciting for me personally, as I’m sure it is for the team to be able to play a Pre-Season match in Launceston,” said Walmsley.

The friendly is another chance for football fans in Tasmania to come out in force, and give the FFA a clear message that they are deserved of an A-league team. Previous efforts have failed to impress the Federation significantly enough to grant the state a license, and it is safe to say a close watch will be kept on how this match is received.

In what is perhaps primarily an AFL state, Tasmania is only represented by one team across the plethora of national sporting competitions in Australia - First Class cricket side, the Tasmanian Tigers. International cricket matches are also held at Bellerive Oval over the summer. While AFL teams do frequent the state throughout the season, Tasmania does not have a team to call it's own (although did have a VFL team up until 2008).

It is imperative then that the FFA act to bring in an A-league club based in Launceston or Hobart (possibly both) in the medium-term future. The state is, like all of Australia, sporting mad, and combining this with the lack of professional sport available it would almost certainly be a win for football and the A-league.