Central Coast News

The Club’s 51-year history as the Central Coast’s longest-standing AFL Club is under threat as they struggle to hit the numbers required for this season.

With the support of the AFL Hunter Central Coast, Gosford Tigers are calling for senior players to come forward, otherwise, the Club will have no choice but to go into recess. A fate that no one at the Club or the AFL Hunter Central Coast wishes to reach.

Gosford Tigers President Brad McKaig described the Club as being at a difficult juncture.

“We’ve always had hope. We are run by volunteers and to be honest, none of us thought we would be in this position,”

“We believed we were just off to a slow start this season based on a series of challenging events, but we always had faith that our locals would eventually get involved and get registered, but unfortunately they haven’t," McKaig said.

"At this stage, it isn’t looking good and we are facing a truly sad decision unless we can muster up enough support from those that can play for us.”

The Tigers have now launched a passionate call to arms for player numbers, in a desperate bid to avoid going into recession for the upcoming season.

McKaig believes that the demographic shift the Coast has seen over the past two to three years may mean there are plenty of willing and able new players who just haven’t yet thought about joining the Tigers yet.

"We have experienced such a population influx the past two years, we hope it is just a case of not reaching the right people with our marketing and that there is a real desire from those that have moved here to join the Gosford Tigers,” he said.

“Community sport is such a fantastic way to meet others so we are calling upon all new Coasties as well as those that have been here for years and anyone that maybe sitting on the fence – come join us and save our Club.” Brad concludes.

McKaig urges anyone who has ever played or wanted to play AFL, to get down to the Club this Thursday 24 March at Adcock Park from 6pm where the Club and the AFL Hunter Central Coast team will be hosting a family-friendly BBQ and free tryouts event.

The fate of the Club will be decided on Friday 25 March and all hinges on getting enough players by then.