TSL Football: 2018 Club guide — North Launceston

THE Northern Bombers have flown past Clarence to be dominant team of the TSL. With appearances in the past four grand finals for three premierships, BRETT STUBBS expects North Launceston to be the yardstick again.

North Launceston guns Jack Avent, left, and Brad Cox-Goodyer with coach Taylor Whitford. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

THE Northern Bombers have flown past Clarence to be dominant team of the TSL. With appearances in the past four grand finals for three premierships, North Launceston is the yardstick for every other club. The club has lost premiership playing-coach Tom Couch over the off season, but that doesn’t mean a drop in standard.

Senior coach: Taylor Whitford

Senior captain: Brad Cox-Goodyer

Last year: Premiers (18 wins, two losses)

Last senior flag: 2017

2017 best and fairest: Brad Cox-Goodyer

2017 leading goalkicker: Brad Cox-Goodyer (45)

Gains: Jordan Cousens (Rocherlea), Dakota Bannister (St Helens), Lachlan Young (Scottsdale), Beau Sharman (Devonport), Sherrin Egger (Devonport), Cooper Stuart (Devonport).

Losses: Tom Couch (Melbourne), Jay Lockhart (Casey VFL), Kailem Baker (Redlands NEAFL), Lewis Holmer (Melbourne)

Season fixture

R1 v Launceston (UTas Stadium), March 30, 6.30pm

R2 v Tigers (UTas), April 7, 2pm

R3 v Glenorchy (UTas), April 14, 2pm

R4 v Clarence (Blundstone), April 21, 2pm

R5 v North Hobart (North Hobart), April 28, 2pm

R6 Bye

R7 v Lauderdale (UTas), May 12, 2pm

R8 v Launceston (Windsor), May 19, 2pm

R9 v Tigers (UTas), May 26, 2pm

R10 v Glenorchy (KGV), June 2, 2pm

R11 v North Hobart (UTas), June 9, 2pm

R12 v Clarence (Blundstone), June 16, 2pm

R13 Bye

R14 v Lauderdale (UTas), June 30, 2pm

R15 v Launceston (UTas), July 6, 7pm

R16 v Tigers (Twin), July 14, 2pm

R17 v Glenorchy (KGV), July 21, 2pm

R18 v Clarence (UTas), July 28, 2pm

R19 v North Hobart (North Hobart), Aug 4, 2pm

R20 Bye

R21 v Lauderdale (Lauderdale), Aug 18, 2pm

Tarryn Thomas will have Tasmanian under-18s duties but is expected to be a key player for North Launceston again this year. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

Three to watch

Tarryn Thomas: Will be limited by Tasmanian under-18s, AIS and most likely Allies duties, but when you can get along and watch the smooth moving Thomas. The talented teenager can play in just about any position and is a sure thing to be taken in this year’s AFL draft, mostly likely by North Melbourne, and possibly as a top 10 pick.

Brad Cox-Goodyer: The only thing Cox-Goodyer didn’t win last year was the meat raffle. The nuggety red head was best afield in a premiership booting eight goals along the way and also was voted the Northern Bombers and TSL’s best and fairest with his first Alastair Lynch Medal. Will be dominant again in 2018.

Jack Avent: Not a huge name outside of the Northern Bombers but has now played in four grand finals and can do a number of roles. Played both small defender and small forward last year but Whitford has plans to run Avent through the midfield in 2018.

Coach says:

“Obviously we’ve got a pretty strong list and a strong core group of players. In terms of tinkering to what we’ve been doing rather than a massive overhaul. We will look to continue building on what we’ve done over the past four or five years.” — Taylor Whitford

Prediction

Hard to go past the Northern Bombers as the hot premiership favourite. They have lost Couch, who was one of the TSL’s best last year, but have recruited well and Whitford is fully fit having only played 13 of 20 games last year. They have retained 18 of their premiership 22 and there appears no end in sight to the red and black dynasty.