STJFL gained hundreds of players despite losing three clubs to coronavirus, says president on eve of grand finals

The best teenage players will go for gold in four STJFL grand finals at North Hobart Oval on Sunday. SEE THE SCHEDULE + HOW TO WATCH >>

• The wet conditions kept the scores low but the players’ spirits and passion was running high as hundreds of teens ran out for the STJFL grand finals
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The best teenage players will go for glory in four STJFL grand finals at North Hobart Oval on Sunday.

STJFL Grand Finals Sunday

4.15pm – Boys Under-16.5 Lauderdale v Clarence

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9.15am – Girls Under-13 Claremont v Sandy Bay White

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11.30am – Boys Under-13 Lindisfarne v Clarence White

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1.45pm – Lindisfarne v Sandy Bay

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FUTURE stars of Tasmanian football will go for glory in the STJFL’s grand final gala day at North Hobart Oval today and Lauderdale captain Fletcher Hooker hopes his Bombers can tame the Roos in their under-16.5 showdown for the flag.

Awarded the Beakley Medal on Monday as the best-and-fairest player in the under-16.5 competition, Hooker, 16, leads a team that is unbeaten since round one.

Captains from under 16.5 STJFL teams who will be playing in the grand final this weekend Clarence's Connor Ryan, 16, and Lauderdale's Fletcher Hooker, 16. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Two of its three games against Clarence, captained by Connor Ryan, have all been close, including an extra-time second semi-final thriller to advance to the big day, all live streamed at the Mercury online from 9.15am.

“It’s going to be another close game,” Hooker said.

“Both teams are very even, physical teams and it will be a tough contest.”

After losing their grand final to Clarence last year, Hooker hopes to go one better.

“It would mean the world. We’re going in confident and hopefully we’ll get the win,” he said.

Captains from under 13's girls STJFL teams who will be playing in the grand final this weekend Sandy Bay's Lucy Groom, 13, and Claremont's Sarah Midgley, 13. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Despite a season contracted by COVID-19, STJFL president Jim Horne said the competition had been a success.

Captains from STJFL finals teams who will be playing in grand finals this weekend LR Sandy Bay's Louis Smith, 15, Clarence's Connor Ryan, 16, Lindisfarne's Archie Devine, 12, Sandy Bay's Lucy Groom, 13, Claremont's Sarah Midgley, 13, Clarence's Lochie Davey, 13, Lauderdale's Fletcher Hooker, 16 and Lindisfarne's Flynn Read, 15. (correct spelling) Picture: Zak Simmonds

“We’ve basically has two-thirds of a season but we’ve had an increase in participation with more than 200 extra players this year,” he said.

“We’ve had three less clubs due to Covid. A lack of volunteers caused those club to not field teams.

Captains from under 15's STJFL teams who will be playing in the grand final this weekend Lindisfarne's Darcy Goodwin, 13 and Archie Devine, 12 and Clarence's Lochie Davey, 13 and Elijah Ryan, 13. Picture: Zak Simmonds

“But we have still managed to increase participation even without those 10 teams.”

The kids playing in the four grand finals today have earned their place on the STJFL’s big stage.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for them to play on a big, wide, open ground and the home of Tassie footy,” Mr Horne said.

“The kids look forward to the day.

“It’s the culmination of their whole season and they have worked very hard to get here.”