Magpies search for new Patron
Peter Gutwein is set to become the NTFA's new President.
December 4, 2024
By Rachel Williams
Former Premier Peter Gutwein is set to be elevated to NTFA President at the association’s AGM today, leaving Scottsdale to search for a new patron.
Mr Gutwein has been patron of the Magpies for more than a decade and while the club is sad to lose someone of his calibre, they have welcomed his decision to step up to a broader leadership role.
As president, Mr Gutwein plans to ensure the NTFA board is more strategic rather than operational, with hopes a new paid position will be created to manage the finer details of the competition better, he said.
Speaking at the Scottsdale Rec Ground on Monday before he addressed the North East Tasmania Chamber of Commerce meeting, Gutwein said he was keen to develop a thriving football culture across the region.
As the State deals with a major change on the pathway to having its own AFL presence, the NTFA was at a really critical juncture, he said,
“As a footy person I really want to give back,” Gutwein said.
“The NTFA board and current President (Damian Rhind) have done a great job in landing the structure over the last 12 months but it is what we do with it from here that is going to count.
“The North-East will always have a special place in my thinking but what I have to do is consider the NTFA as a whole and importantly work to strengthen all clubs.”
It’s a major change of thinking for Gutwein, who in June this year threw down the gauntlet at North Launceston, labelling the Bombers’ “sooks” given their vocal opposition to the demise of the TSL and their place in the new NTFA Premier League alongside country clubs Scottsdale and Deloraine.
Gutwein said he has spoken to the Bombers this week ahead of his candidacy.
“I said to the North Launceston President on Friday, his role has to be to ensure that they don’t drop their standard because they are the best team in the State and what we have got to do is aspire for all clubs to get to that level,” Mr Gutwein said.
He said he would continue to work with Scottsdale in its push to re-establish itself competitively on field.
“Obviously I have been involved in the search for a coach at Scottsdale and it is challenging but there is a great product to sell – a country club that is 20 minutes to the beach with mountain biking, schools and pathway programs with juniors and we have to ensure that the product we have got is well understood and I believe that over time we will recruit the type of player we need to support the club and importantly I believe we can grow the base,” he said.
Rickie Dolliver has been appointed head coach and will arrive from the ACT later this month ready for a Christmas club function on December 13.
It’s still not yet known how millions of dollars from the AFL as part of the Tasmanian team deal will flow to regional areas like Scottsdale, which is asking for funding to complete underground irrigation of its main playing surface to ensure its consistently up to standard.
“It would be fair to say I need to get my feet under the desk and understand how that is all going to operate but there is a significant amount of money that will be flowing into the North as a result of the restructure and what is important is to ensure we use that money to build and strengthen all clubs across the board and importantly enable clubs like Scottsdale to get back to where it was and that is as a powerhouse,” Mr Gutwein said.
He said the club still has a State Government grant from when he was Premier which will soon be spent on a major redevelopment and repositioning of the old kiosk under the grand stand.
The Magpies also received money at the last State election for the installation of solar panels, which are set to be installed following the kiosk project.
SFC President David Mullins said Gutwein had gone well above the duties of a Patron and for that the club was very greatful.
“We will go through the process to see if Murray Partridge is interested in stepping up from his Vice Patron role and if not, we will look for someone who is passionate about the club and its future direction,” he said.
Scottsdale’s AGM will he held on Friday night, with Mullins confirming he will put his hand up to continue in his role.