AN alignment with the Devils could open the door for the Kangaroos to play AFL home games in Launceston, AFL Tasmania general manager Scott Wade said yesterday.
Wade said while the Kangaroos were committed to playing three games in Canberra next season, things could change very quickly in the AFL.
"It is very important to Tasmania we grow our connections with AFL clubs, particularly a club like the Kangaroos," he said.
"We would love to be having these types of discussions with Hawthorn [which plays two home games a year in Launceston], but they are committed to Box Hill.
"I am not suggesting the Kangaroos are going to play AFL games in Tasmania soon, but who knows what the future may bring?
"That is more long-term strategy.
"It is like any relationship, you have to start from somewhere.
"That is probably considered to be an opportunity that is worth exploring."
Wade said AFL Tasmania was working through a number of issues before committing to the partial alignment that would see unused Kangaroos-listed players shared between the Devils and North Ballarat.
These issues include: * How many players and the distribution of players between the two clubs. * Financial issues that will impact on Tasmania's VFL licence with Football Victoria. * Logistical issues such as when the players would arrive. * Consultation with players, sponsors, staff and Football Victoria.
"We spoke to the players about short-term issues and long-term issues," Wade said.
"If there is a small percentage of players who did not think this was a great idea, that would be disappointing.
"But our decision will be based on long-term issues, not short-term issues."
He described the players' attitude towards the deal as "uncertain".
"The players' view is pretty consistent with ours in that the No. 1 thing we want to protect is our identity," Wade said.
He said the number of Kangaroo players used each week would be capped, but he would not say what the maximum figure was until approved by the Devils' board.
"If that means we can't do a deal, then so be it, but if that means we only end up with one or two players on a week-to-week basis, well, so be it," Wade said. "That is the issue we are working through at the moment.
"I need to consult with some others, but it would be less than eight."
AFL Tasmania has been in constant negotiation with the Kangaroos and North Ballarat and hopes to come to a decision either way soon.
"The key part is now North Ballarat, the Kangaroos and Football Victoria, in that order," Wade said.
"Hopefully by the end of this week we will have got all those issues sorted out.
"But there will still be no decision made until we have further talks to our players."
By: BRETT STUBBS
Last Modified on 11/10/2005 14:44