Australia Championship. Northern Premier League Tasmania
The Northern Premier League Tasmania (NPL Northern Tasmania) stands as the premier football competition in northern Tasmania, integrated into Australia's national championship framework. It unites top clubs from Launceston and surrounds, crowning a champion who vies for national playoff spots. The league blends local football heritage with rising professionalism, drawing thousands of fans to matches amid Tasmania's crisp climate.
History and foundation
Rooted in the 1920s as Tasmania North Premier League, it underwent restructurings before joining the National Premier Leagues in the 1990s under Football Federation Australia. Highlights include Devonport City's five straight titles in the 2010s and the thrilling 2016 final where South Hobart edged Olympic 4-3 in extra time. The 2020 pandemic shortened the season, but resilience shone through. Fun fact: OLSC Launceston, the oldest club, claimed the inaugural 1927 title, shaping Tasmanian football's foundations.
Tournament format
Featuring 8–10 teams in a double round-robin format (home and away), the winner claims the northern Tasmania crown and advances to the state grand final against southern rivals for the overall Tasmanian title and NPL Finals Series entry. Playoffs determine finalists post-regular season. Running March to September, games slot into Sundays and midweeks.
Interesting facts
Average goals per game hover at 3.5, favoring open, attacking play—top clashes often see 5–6 goals. All-time greats: Brad Perry of Devonport City (over 150 goals), Cody Taylor with 92 for Riverside Olympic. Standouts like Jeremy Vir of South Hobart, a set-piece wizard, and Mark Turner, Launceston City's 300+ game veteran. The league has fed A-League talents like Ryan Lowler, who starred for Adelaide United.