Bradley Milne spoils the ball in the match against Deloraine last Saturday.

August 6, 2025

Mullins quits Magpies

Scottsdale Football Club President David Mullins has quit, leaving board members to meet (as we go to print) to work out a way forward for the beleaguered club.

But regardless of who steps up into the leadership role, those at the heart of the Magpies and the departing leader remain optimistic that the club is heading in the right direction after a challenging introduction to NTFA Premier League.

Mullins said he was confident in the future for the Magpies despite his decision to quit after 18 months in the role due to personal reasons.

“It has been a tough year and I have decided to step away to take a break,” Mullins said.

“I have no issues with the club. While it has been tough on field everything else is going okay.”

An Annual General Meeting of the club is not due until December.

It is understood that a Special General Meeting will be called for members to decide on a new President.

Current joint Vice Presidents Manuel Hall and Murray Lade both said they were committed to helping the club into the future.

“I can’t say too much until we know a bit more about the process but we are all here for the sole reason of seeing the club move forward,” Lade said.

Hall concurred: “We have a hard
working and dedicated board and we will be working together to get through this together.”

The club was successful in its bid to enter the NTFA’s top competition this season following the demise of the Statewide League, as the Tasmanian Devils prepare to enter the VFL next season followed by a berth in the AFL in 2028.

But the men’s senior team has struggled against big clubs North Launceston and Launceston and is yet to win a game. Conversely, the women’s team is finals bound and feeling optimistic.

Mullins said that despite the challenges he has enjoyed his time at the club.

“I have been on the board for a while but overall I don’t think I am capable of carrying on. I am not experienced enough, and it is really starting to feel like a professional job for a lawyer or a business person.

“It is getting to be a lot of work and I don’t feel I have the capabilities to go through to the next level we need to get to.

“It is unfortunate as I did still have a passion for where we were going but certain things have driven me away.”

Mullins said he has no regrets about the Premier League decision.

“I still feel it is where we need to be for the future of the footy club. It would be a backward step if we went back to another division. If we went back, we would lose all our talented players who have aspirations to play at the top level.

“We have just got to get the young
ones to stay and I think there will be some positive recruitment news in the next few weeks.”