Bombers face “tough conversations” as Devils return for grand final

North Launceston’s selection committee meeting could be a long one with two Devils talents ready to bolster their TSL grand final line-up.

Heath Ollington, pictured during last week’s Coates Talent League preliminary final loss to Eastern Ranges, will return to North Launceston’s line-up for the TSL grand final. (Photo by Graham Denholm/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

North Launceston coach Brad Cox-Goodyer concedes some ‘tough conversations’ will be held this week after confirming Devils talents Oscar Van Dam and Heath Ollington will return for Saturday’s grand final against Kingborough.

The Devils’ Coates Talent League preliminary final loss last week has opened the door for the duo to return, meaning there will be some difficult decisions at the selection table.

Key defender Van Dam and tough on-baller Ollington are huge and timely additions given the Tigers’ tall forwards and big-bodied, experienced midfield are two of their strengths.

“We’ll probably have to order some food in tomorrow night (Wednesday) I reckon, it might be a late one,” Cox-Goodyer said of the selection conundrum.

“I’m probably going to say Oscar and Heath are going to play. When you’ve got the quality of those guys, you probably have to bring them in.

Oscar Van Dam. Picture: Solstice Digital

“It’s going to be a tough conversation for guys who played in a prelim final win to tell them they’re not going to play in a grand final, but the silver lining is they still get to play in a grand final with the Development League.

“It’s obviously not going to make them feel better they miss out on the senior one. But it is men’s footy now, we’re going in to try and win a grand final and I have to pick the best team possible.

“There will be some tough conversations, but unfortunately that’s reality. It is senior football, you’ve got to take feelings out of it sometimes to do what’s best for what can get you the result, and I think it’s those two coming in.”

The solidly-built Van Dam could be an option to go up against star Tigers forward-ruck Jack Tomkinson.

Ollington was part of the Allies’ maiden under-18 championships title this year, and both players are yet to taken on Kingborough this season.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 08: Heath Ollington of Tasmania in action during the round three Coates Talent League Boys match between Bendigo Pioneers and Tasmania Devils at Arden Street Ground on April 08, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Jonathan DiMaggio/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

“Oscar’s a pretty solid defender, real big and strong for an 18-year-old kid. But his strengths are he’s a super runner and a super ball user as well,” Cox-Goodyer said.

He’s a pretty handy ‘in’ and I rate him pretty highly, I have done for a number of years.

“And you’d be silly not to bring someone like Heath Ollington in. He’s big and strong and aggressive, he’s the type of player we’re going to need against Kingborough at North Hobart Oval.”

Cox-Goodyer said the pair can do their AFL draft hopes no harm with big games on Saturday.

“Scouts will be watching it and they’ll be pretty keen to put in a massive performance. Those two will definitely make us a better football team,” he said.

“Some people could question the quality of the TSL, but when you’re talking about a grand final you’re going to have quality on the park.

“The opposition are going to be strong, we’re strong, so if those two can come out and play really good games, it will only enhance their chances I would have thought.”