VFL duo bolsters North Hobart for condensed State League season

North Hobart continues to add to its depth for the upcoming shortened TSL season, with a pair of Dees returning to the fold after featuring the VFL last year.

After spending the past five years in Melbourne, Jack Sandric, right, will return to the TSL and North Hobart in 2020. Picture. LUKE BOWDEN

A PAIR of home-grown Demons will return from the VFL to North Hobart this season in a major boost for the improving TSL side.

With the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting leagues across the country, Baxter Norton and Jack Sandric have returned to Tasmania and will feature in the condensed 2020 State League season.

Baxter Norton attacks for Tasmania against GWS in 2018. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

Norton, who played with the state under-18 team in 2018, joined Werribee last year and featured in five senior matches under Port Adelaide premiership coach Mark Williams, while Sandric returns after leaving then Hobart City in 2015.

Sandric played five senior VFL matches for Coburg last year, including the last four of the season, and was twice named the Lions’ best after impressing in run-with roles.

Jack Sandric in action for Glenroy during his time in Victoria. Picture: HAMISH BLAIR

Demons coach Richard Robinson said regaining the duo — alongside two-time William Leitch medallist Troy Cunliffe, axed Tasmanian cricketer Sean Willis and veteran Michael Fisher — adds further depth to a squad he hopes can continue to grow in his third year at the helm.

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Baxter Norton handballs under pressure from Clarence’s Jeromey Webberley during his previous stint with North Hobart. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

“They have been living in Melbourne playing for Werribee and Coburg and with the COVID the landscape changed for them a bit from a work sense,” Robinson said.

“They have landed back in Hobart and both have found some work down here and decided to stay for the season.

“He [Sandric] is just perfect for what we want, 25 years old, played VFL footy, he is a real true Demon as well.

“He will slot in pretty seamlessly across half back for us.

“Baxter went over last year to have a crack at Werribee and ended up playing half a dozen games and he has come back a better footballer.

“He got to have 12 months with Mark Williams who has obviously coached an AFL premiership, he not only brings back his footy skills and nous but his footy IQ has increased as well.”