The Southern Football League (SFL), in partnership with AFL Tasmania, has confirmed that the Brighton Football Club will be the sixth team to compete in the Southern Premier League from 2025, as part of Tasma­nia’s state-wide community footy revamp.

Brighton Football Club will join the five current Southern TSL clubs (Clarence, Gle­norchy, Kingborough, Lau­derdale and North Hobart) to form a six-team Southern Premier League for Men and Women. The SFL will have two divisions in 2025, a Premier League and a Division One (which is yet to be named). The new-look premier community footy model from 2025 will see a premier league competition in each of Tasmania’s three regions – North-West, North and Southern Tasmania.

SFL President David O’Byrne said the new structure will attract fans to the footy and bring communities together. “Brighton has been on an amazing journey these last four years and it is a testament to the club that they are able to take this import­ant step – they will represent the Brighton community with great pride,” said David. “The decision to elevate Brighton into a revamped Southern footy league with a Premier division and a new second Division in 2025 is not only an exciting time for the 14 Southern football clubs but it will be a feast of top flight and strong community based football for footy fans. Having this new structure, with the best of the best from the south fighting for glory, will bring fans to the footy and bring communities together.”

Brighton Football Club President Darren Clark said the club is growing, aiming to be the biggest and best sporting club in Tasmania. “Our junior pathway is now complete for both boys and girls,” said Darren. “If you are growing up in the Brighton and Southern Midlands area, you can play from Auskick through to senior football, knowing you can stay at the one club,” Darren said. “I thank the AFL and SFL and our sponsors for support­ing our application. We look forward to more input into making this decision success­ful. Get on board the Robins in 2024.”