A former Glenorchy player will feel weird about playing for Queensland against Tasmania in rep game
When Tasmania takes on Queensland this weekend, the visitors will have several locals in their side. Get the lowdown on his feelings heading into the game, plus all the teams.
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He’s a product of Hobart’s northern suburbs so when former Glenorchy young gun Ryan Banks-Smith lines up in Queensland colours against Tasmania in their interstate clash at Latrobe on Saturday, only one word will describe the feeling.
“It will be weird,” Banks-Smith said.
Now 25, Banks-Smith has carved a strong career in Queensland, playing for both Aspley and Southport.
In his first year in the Sunshine State, “Banger” won the Grogan Medal, awarded to the QAFL’s best-and-fairest player as a gun in the Hornet’s midfield, as well as claiming the Syd Guildford Medal as the QAFL Coaches Most Valuable Player.
He went on to play VFL for Southport before returning to Aspley.
“Getting to come down and play against Tassie is going to seem strange, and it will be a challenge that’s for sure,” Banks-Smith said.
He will be one of three Tasmanian’s in the Queensland side, along with former North Hobart player Adrian Williams and former Glenorchy defender Jordan Arnold.
“I’ve bought a house up here so I’ve settled in and I don’t see myself moving back any time soon,” Banks-Smith said.
“I’m loving it, playing my footy up here.”
Banks-Smith is aware of Tasmania’s impending entry into the VFL, with the Devils men tipped to play 10 games and the women seven games in that competition next season.
He has already tasted VFL football with the Southport Sharks in 2022 and 2023.
“It was time in my footy career to have a crack at it,” Banks-Smith said.
“I feel like I was a fringe player in the VFL.
“I played a full season in my first year and the second year I was in and out of the side a lot.
“It was definitely a good experience and something I will look back on long after I retire and be happy with.”
Playing VFL for the Devils is not completely off the cards.
“You never know – I haven’t thought about next season yet I’m just taking this season as it comes,” he said.
Unlike most of the Tasmanian and Queensland players, Banks-Smith has played at Latrobe Oval.
“I’ve played cricket there,” he said.
“I got a golden duck, so I’m not too fond of that ground.”
The Queensland contingent arrives on Friday and leaves for home on Sunday.
TASMANIA v QUEENSLAND
MEN
TASMANIA
B: J. Bealey, T. Ives, W. Clifford
HB: A. Wilkinson, B. Smith, H. Elmer
C: H. Bayles, B. Boag, O. Praprotny
HF: T. Reeves, S. Siggins, B. Cox-Goodyer
F: B. Leary, K. Cameron, J. Green
Foll: A. Phillips, B. Norton, M. Brouwer
Inter: T. Callow, F. Hooker, K. Lowe, D. Chugg, J. Wolfe
QUEENSLAND
B: H. Moore, A. Williams, Jack Austin
HB: G. McDonagh, D. Bowles, J. Arnold
C: W. Fletcher, T. Simpson, D. Smith
HF: K. Dunkley, C. Cameron, R. King
F: J. Cameron, M. Hammelmann, B. Woodburn
Foll: R. Bowman, C. Offermans, C. Ellis-Yolmen
Inter: R. Banks-Smith, B. Hahn, C. Harker, M. McDonald, C. Lovig
WOMEN
TASMANIA
B: M.Radford, G. Hill
HB: P. King, L. Haines, S. Saward
C: O. Smith, S. Skinner, J. Limbrick
HF: E. Saward, G. White, M. Lamb
F: M. Mitchell, E. Mifsud
Foll: J. Freestone, J. Webster, B. Barwick
Inter: M. Banks, J. Revell, K. Hill, A. Clark, G. Purton
QUEENSLAND
B: A. Fetahagic, S. White
HB: E. Pittman, J. Davidson, G. Roy
C: R. Schipp. M. Watt, L. Schneider
HF: E. Calleja, C. Miller, S. O’Brien
F: O. Meagher, M. Baldwin
Foll: T. Gregory, J. Davy, G. Roberts-White
Inter: L. Roy, K. Zerafa, I. Levine, G. Osborne, K. Day
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