Australia Championship. Tasmania Championship 1
Tasmania Championship 1 is the top tier of football in Tasmania, integrated into the Australian football pyramid. It features leading state clubs, focusing on nurturing local talent and promoting grassroots participation. The league acts as a stepping stone for teams aiming for national competitions like NPL Australia.
History and foundation
The history of Tasmania Championship 1 dates back to the mid-20th century, with football gaining traction among European immigrants. The modern format solidified in the 2010s under Football Federation Tasmania. Notable milestones include South Hobart's dominance in the 2010s-2020s, multiple titles, and the thrilling 2022 final where Devonport City triumphed in penalties. Fun fact: Tasmanian teams competed in the national league in the 1990s, influencing today's setup. The league adapted resiliently post-COVID with enhanced safety protocols.
Tournament format
The format involves 10-12 teams in a double round-robin regular season (22-26 matches). Top 4 advance to playoffs: semi-finals, final, and third-place match. Bottom teams face relegation to Division 2. Matches occur on semi-pro stadiums holding up to 5,000 fans, from March to September.
Interesting facts
Known for high-scoring games, averaging 3.5-4.0 goals per match due to attacking play and defensive lapses. Top scorers: Cody Turner (Devonport City) with over 150 career goals, Mark Langford (South Hobart) netting 20 in 2021. Standout players: Josh Smith, now in A-League, and Tasmanian rep Ryan Gilfoyle. It feeds talent to NPL and A-League.