THIS WEEK in Tasmanian football has seen rumours emerge of the state hosting one of the AFL’s premier events, while two of the Tasmanian State League’s (TSL) club presidents met with the AFL Steering Committee in Melbourne, and a former AFL player guided a TSL side to their first win of the season.

Tasmania potential host for 2018 AFL Draft:

In what could be a major coup for the state, it was revealed on Wednesday that Tasmania has been considered as a potential host for the 2018 AFL National Draft.

While it is not yet known at which end of the state the draft would be held should Tasmania be chosen, AFL.com.au reported that league officials have named the Apple Isle as a possible destination.

With a number of Tasmanian products expected to be picked up in this year’s draft, including potential top-10 pick Tarryn Thomas, it would not come as a surprise should Tasmania get the nod.

AFL Steering Committee Update

As the June 30 deadline approaches for the decision on the future of Tasmanian football, two of the Tasmanian State League’s (TSL) presidents flew to Melbourne on Wednesday upon invitation of Gil McLaughlin. North Launceston president Thane Brady and Tigers president Paul Gadomski sat in on the latest Steering Committee meeting and Gadomski revealed to WIN News’s Brent Costello the following:

– Both presented for a combined 1.5 hours
– The pair both spoke to Gillion one-on-one, post meeting.
– Some of the info tabled the committee wasn’t previously aware of.
– If more money is required to get young players ready to be drafted, then the AFL will provide additional funding and;
– All seven TSL presidents will meet with Gil on the state’s North-West Coast next Thursday.

Garland guides Demons to first win of season.

In the season’s biggest shock to date, North Hobart registered their first victory of the season this past Sunday when they defeated rivals Kingston Tigers in Round 8.

With former AFL player Colin Garland lining up for his first game for the club in over ten years, the Demons raced out of the blocks and while challenged throughout the second-half by the Tigers, were able to hold firm and walk away with their first victory in a low scoring affair – 7.8 (50) to 5.12 (42). Garland played the game predominately forward and finished with two goals along with setting up two others, and his footy smarts and experience were evident across the day for a side fielding ten teenagers.

In other Round 8 action, North Launceston again smashed their cross-town rivals Launceston by 53 points with midfield duo Brad Cox-Goodyear (four) and Tom Couch (five) combining for nine goals while Launceston ball-magnet Jobi Harper was named best afield for the Blues in his first senior game of the season.

Clarence were also victorious in round 8 with a hard fought 14-point win over traditional rivals Lauderdale. The Bombers controlled the majority of the last quarter yet it was some individual magic from Clarence forward Jake Cox that got the Roos across the line and saw them finish the round as equal second on the ladder.

This week sees Glenorchy travel to Lauderdale to take on the Bombers while North Hobart will look to back up last week’s performance when they face a rebounding Launceston at North Hobart Oval and in the weekend’s final game, the Tigers will travel to Utas Stadium to face the rampaging North Launceston. All games kick off at 2:00pm on Saturday.