’Dream come true’: Clarence champion backs calls for a Tassie AFL team
A Clarence champion is backing calls for a Tasmanian AFL team ahead of the Gold Coast Suns vs North Melbourne blockbuster at Blundstone Arena this weekend. LATEST >>
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WHEN Kevin Palmer first went to Bellerive Oval in 1965 it was lined with pine trees, spectators parked the cars around the boundary, home players got changed in an old shed and bad luck if you were an opposition player because your digs were worse.
These days it is the international-standard multi-sport venue Blundstone Arena, and the 78-year-old former Clarence premiership backman would love the day he can turn up and watch a Tasmanian team play in the AFL.
The state has put together a water-tight business case through the Tasmanian AFL Taskforce.
Tasmania’s ambition has not pleased everyone, in particular Gold Coast Suns chairman Tony Cochrane, who is vehemently-opposed to the state being granted a 19th AFL license.
Cochrane will be in Hobart with the Suns this weekend for their round 15 clash with North Melbourne on Saturday.
The AFL is reviewing the state’s push for a license and like many, Kevin is onboard with the drive for our own team.
“I think that’s everybody in Tassie’s dream, to get our on Tassie side,” he said.
“If it were to happen, it would be a dream come true to most people.”
Kevin has been going to Bellerive Oval for 56 years.
Kevin’s finest hour at Bellerive came in 1970 when he played in Clarence’s first premiership with a 55-point win over New Norfolk.
“In those days it looked close to what a country ground is today,” he said.
“The ground was alright. There was a lot more of a slope on the ground then, but if you were sitting on one side you had a job to see the ball.
“There’s no comparison these days.”
Suns burning to scorch Kangaroos in Hobart
THE external pressure on Gold Coast’s coaching group and players will only serve to galvanise the Suns, says fleet-footed defender Sean Lemmens.
With calls for heads to roll – particularly that of coach Stuart Dew – and suggestions the club should poach Hawks genius Alastair Clarkson on a mega-deal, the club is on the way to missing the finals for the 11th consecutive season.
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Lemmens, 27, said within the club Gold Coast was ticking all the boxes.
“We look internally and the people we have got here right now are amazing,” Lemmens said.
“We’ve got a strong group who work really hard, supported strongly by coaches, support staff and everyone at the club.
“The standards we are setting and the stuff we do behind closed doors are as strong as ever.
“Every week we run out with confidence because of that sort of stuff.
“Pressure on the football club, pressure on the coaches and players, once your club is under pressure that’s when everyone at the footy club pulls together.”
Gold Coast’s 50-point loss to Port Adelaide last weekend left it languishing in 16th position on the ladder as the Suns prepare to meet a now dangerous North Melbourne at Blundstone Arena on Saturday.
Lemmens said it could be the turning point the club needs.
The Suns rolled North by 59 points when they met at Metricon Stadium in round two.
“At AFL level you’ve got to look at every team the exact same way – no team is an easy beat,” Lemmens said.
“We will approach the Kangaroos the same as we would any other club.
“No one is an easy beat and we will approach the game that way.”
After North Melbourne, the Suns face reigning premier Richmond, the Giants, Bulldogs and Melbourne in what could be a horror four weeks.
“It’s exciting because if you’re going to test yourself why not do it against the best teams?” Lemmens said.
“We will knuckle down and work hard and keep preparing with high standards.”
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