SFL star goes full circle in returning to North Hobart

A former Demon will return to the TSL and the club where it all started after dominating the SFL with Lindisfarne.

Troy Cunliffe has returned to North Hobart. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

NORTH Hobart has landed the first big fish of the TSL off-season by luring SFL star Troy Cunliffe back to the Demons.

Cunliffe is a dual William Leitch Medallist as the SFL’s best and fairest and was a key part of Lindisfarne’s flag this year.

The 27-year-old gun on-baller is a much-welcomed addition to the young Demons as they look to build on some promising signs from this year.

“I just feel like I’ve got a bit of unfinished business in this comp and I always had a desire to get back to North Hobart and now feels like the right time to do it,” Cunliffe said.

He started at North Hobart in the under-11s and progressed through to seniors, coming through with North Hobart star midfielder, former Giant and Western Bulldog Sam Darley.

He missed Lindisfarne’s 2018 premiership while playing in the TSL with Clarence, but returned to help the Two Blues go back to back this year.

Troy Cunliffe in action for Lindisfarne. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

“I wanted to tick that box off because I had lost a few [grand finals] with Lindisfarne and I felt like that [winning a flag] was something I had to achieve before going back to North Hobart,” he said.

“From what I’ve watched they are improving rapidly and hopefully I can help them out a bit.”

Cunliffe believes there is plenty of talent in the SFL that could play in the state league.

“From an SFL player looking in, it is the level of training and time factor involved,” he said.

“That is why a lot of SFL players don’t do it but I think a lot of them could.”

It will be busy weekends at the Cunliffe household, with Troy’s wife, Nikki, a state league netballer at Karana and juggling children as well.

“It is about finding that balance, and we need to organise a few more babysitters as well,” he said.