Alex Gilmour under the pump in debut as SFL coach when Hobart meets premier Lindisfarne in SFL opener

After five outstanding seasons as coach of Old Scholars club Richmond, former AFL Tiger Alex Gilmour has good news for Hobart fans as the first bounce nears for the SFL season.

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A BAPTISM of fire awaits Alex Gilmour in his debut as Hobart’s new coach with the Tigers, but he has high hopes for his team’s prospects this season.

His side faces reigning premier Lindisfarne at the TCA ground in the opening round of the postponed season kick-starting on Saturday.

Moving from Old Scholars power Richmond, where he took that club to the past five grand finals and two premierships, Gilmour aims to take Hobart from the bottom of the ladder to finals in his first year.

“Most clubs should be aspiring to play finals football,” Gilmour said.

“We’re are coming from a long way back – the club didn’t win a senior game last year.

“With the players we brought into the club and with the players who were already there, I certainly think the list is good enough and if we jell together well enough, we will be able to participate in the finals.”

New SFL playing-coaches Alex Gilmour (Hobart), left, and Michael Cassidy (Lindisfarne). Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Facing a Michael Cassidy-coached Lindisfarne first-up is a daunting prospect.

“Before the coronavirus, we were going to be playing Dodges Ferry at Dodges in our first game, so we had our minds set on that as a tough ask,” Gilmour said.

“I didn’t think it could get any worse, but it did drawing Lindisfarne first up.

“We look forward to the challenge because we can find out where we are at, and it’s probably better to get one of the better sides early before everyone gets up and going.

Cassidy said Hobart was an unknown quantity.

“They’ve got a lot of new players from Richmond so until we get their team sheet through we don’t know what we are going up against,” he said.

“I’m sure they will be improved from last year and looking to get off to a good start.

“We’ve got to make sure we are on our game from the first bounce.”

In other games, Dodges Ferry hosts Claremont at Shark Park (2pm), New Norfolk is at home to Huonville Lions (2.30pm) and Brighton plays Sorell at Pontville (3pm).