Tasmanian football continues its search for the Holy Grail

It would appear that both major Tasmanian political parties will explore the feasibility of constructing a rectangular stadium in Tasmania for football.

There is, after all, an election coming up.

The proposed stadium would also apparently cater for Rugby and concerts.

That’s sensible and I hope something comes out of it.

Nothing much has yet come out of the millions of dollars in grants promised by the federal government two years ago to South Hobart, Glenorchy Knights, Metro and Football Tasmania and which apparently is under the custodianship of some local councils.

Which leads me to my main point, which is that Tasmania does not need to depend on a rectangular stadium to have an A-League team.

Only this week, I saw Western United play a match on a footie oval interstate.  I’ve seen other A-League teams do the same.  Why can they do it and yet we are told we shouldn’t and that it hinders our case for a Tasmanian team?

Don’t get me wrong.  A purpose-built rectangular stadium would be marvellous for Tasmania football.

But if you think the absence of one has cost Tasmania an A-League team, think again.

They just don’t want us.  It's all a bit like unrequited love between human beings.

We have the money, thanks to two enterprising entrepreneurs from Victoria, and we have venues that are better than some of the ovals that have hosted A-League games interstate as recently as this week.

The pitches at UTAS Stadium in Launceston and Blundstone Arena in Hobart are excellent, as are the facilities.

We also have the supporters.  Western United had just 960 people to watch their A-League game this week.

There were two or three times that number at Western United’s two games at UTAS Stadium last week.

So, the decision makers are being disingenuous when they tell Tasmanian fans that a rectangular stadium is one of the pre-requisites for us having an A-League team.

It’s about time they fessed up and simply said we don’t want you.

Attempts to have a Tasmanian AFL team always strike similar hurdles.

If only people would be honest and just say they don’t want us.

 

Lions can certainly roar with pride at present

Photo:  Riley Dillon scored Clarence Zebras' consolation goal against Kingborough Lions United.  He is proving to be as good an attacker as he was a defender. [PlessPix] 

The sight of Kingborough Lions United on top of the NPL Tasmania standings must be a cause for celebration amongst their fans.

It’s early days yet, but after winning the Summer Cup, it’s a welcome development for Lions fans after just four or five league games into the season.

The Lions have played a game more than their nearest rivals, but it’s points on the board than ultimately count.  A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, as the saying goes.

The Lions travelled to Wentworth Park to meet Clarence Zebras, who were celebrating their first home game of the season with a football gala day.

But, it was the Lions rather than the Zebras who had reason to celebrate as they won 2-1 through goals by former Clarence Zebras duo Adam McKeown and Byungatae Ahn.

Riley Dillon, as usual, netted Clarence Zebras’ consolation goal.

Glenorchy Knights and South Hobart threw away the chance to go top when they drew 1-1 at KGV Park.

Knights probably had the better of the chances and would have scored more but for the woodwork and some fine goalkeeping by Nick O’Connell.

Alex Walter came off the bench for the Knights to score in what was his last game for the club.  He has signed for Hume City in Victoria.  Walter was on hand when a shot came back off the crossbar to tap home from close range.

South Hobart salvaged a point when Nick Morton converted a penalty in the last minute, following Adam Gorrie’s foul.

Reigning champions Devonport Strikers have hit a bumpy patch and were held 2-2 at home by Olympia Warriors at Valley Road.

The draw keeps Devonport fourth, but their form will have to improve if they are to retain their title.  There are murmurings of discontent in the camp.

All four goals came in the second half, with Austin Yost and Joel Sammut giving Olympia the lead twice and Brody Denehy saving Devonport’s bacon with a brace.

On the Friday night, Launceston City moved off the foot of the standings with a thrilling 3-2 home win over Riverside Olympic at Buckby Land Rover Park.

Sam Davis and James Hall fired the visitors into an early 2-0 lead, but goals within minutes by Yasin Mohammadi and Daniel Smith made it 2-1.

That’s how it stayed until the final minute, when Launceston City captain Jarrod Linger hit the winner, to the great relief of the home fans.

The teams swapped places on the standings and Riverside Olympic are now last and the only team without any points.

NPL Tasmania

Devonport Strikers 2-2 Olympia Warriors

Clarence Zebras 1-2 Kingborough Lions United

Glenorchy Knights 1-1 South Hobart

Launceston City 3-2 Riverside Olympic [Friday night]

NPL Tasmania (As at 23 April 2021)

TEAM	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts
Kingborough Lions	5	4	0	1	11	7	12
South Hobart	4	3	1	0	13	3	10
Glenorchy Knights	4	3	1	0	11	5	10
Devonport City	5	2	1	2	6	7	7
Olympia Warriors	4	1	1	2	7	11	4
Clarence Zebras	4	1	0	3	8	12	3
Launceston City	4	1	0	3	3	10	3
Riverside Olympic	4	0	0	4	7	12	0

 

ANZAC Day women's results - 25 April 2021

Women’s Super League

Clarence Zebras 3-3 Kingborough Lions United

Women’s Southern Championship

New Town White Eagles 1-0 Olympia Warriors

South Hobart 1-1 Glenorchy Knights

Taroona 1-5 University

Women’s Southern Championship 1

New Town White Eagles 0-1 Olympia Warriors