POOR support for the Tasmanian Devils against the Northern Bullants in Devonport today could spell the end of VFL football on the North-West Coast.
The Coast is on notice that if the match is a flop, its annual VFL fixture will be moved to either Aurora Stadium or Bellerive.
Also, the facilities at Devonport need updating.
"The listed players from AFL-aligned clubs can't understand why we don't play all our games at the best two venues,'' AFL Tasmania general manager Scott Wade said yesterday.
"By playing a game in Devonport, we are able to take VFL football to the North-West Coast.
"The ground is big and has a good surface.
"But overall, the facilities present a problem because there has been no significant improvement there for the past 30 years.
"The North-West Coast football fraternity hasn't embraced the Devils and there is constantly negative media for us there.''
Last year, only 1800 people turned out to see the Devils play -- but it was a miserable winter's day.
"If it's a good role-up today of 3000 to 3500 and it's a good experience all the way, there's no reason why we won't continue to play a game on the Coast,'' Wade said.
"If it's just moderately successful or not successful, it's going to be very difficult to play games there.''
By: JAMES BRESNEHAN
Last Modified on 04/06/2005 09:57