Bombers’ premiership core set to recommit before new era

Two flag-winning stars are off to mainland leagues, but North Launceston expects most of their premiership core to remain and lead them into a new era.

North Launceston coach Adrian Smith celebrates this year’s TSL grand final win with co-captains Fletcher Bennett and Alex Lee. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

North Launceston coach Adrian Smith is confident the bulk of his flag-winning squad will recommit and lead the Bombers into new era when the NTFA Premier League begins next year.

Smith pointed to an “emotional attachment” and a desire for stable leadership during an period of change were two of the main factors behind his decision to coach again.

He led the Bombers to an unbeaten flag in the TSL’s final season in his first year in charge after a long period as an assistant.

Smith has also taken on a role with Tasmania’s new-look academy program, with junior and senior hubs in all three regions set up to develop the state’s best talent.

While Tasmania representatives Blade Sulzberger (Northern Bullants) and Harvey Griffiths (West Adelaide) have already confirmed their departures, Smith expects the majority of their blue chip talent to stay put.

The likes of Michael Stingel, Fletcher Bennett, Alex Lee, Harry Bayles, Mitch Nicholas, Declen Chugg, Theo Ives, seven-goal grand final hero Brandon Leary and most likely Oscar Van Dam, all of whom would have commanded interest elsewhere, look set to stay.

“There’s a couple of guys doing trials, but this is what we know,” Smith said.

“Mitch Nicholas had a week away at Norwood, Khalen (Matthews) was also at Norwood to try it out, Max Roney is with Taylor (Whitford, former Bombers coach) at the moment with Casey for a couple of weeks, it’s good for these guys to branch out.”

Bombers flag winners Jack Aherne, Harry Elmer and Will Manshanden have departed, but the likes of Max Roney and Dom Pitt can easily take on bigger roles.

Smith has previously expressed his desire to get involved in the state’s academy space and said he’s been enjoying the challenge alongside Bombers commitments.

His presence will be vital given the departure of long-time president Thane Brady, with his understudy Adrian Hall expected to be officially confirmed as his replacement at next month’s AGM.

Michael Stingel. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“I enjoyed it last year and you’re emotionally attached, there’s a really good group of senior players there who you’ve shared experiences with and it’s another chance to grow that,” Smith said.

“Even the little things like the footy team changing and being part of that change is really important.

“Supporting the women’s team with Emma (Groves, coach), it’s a different challenge for us next year.

“I’m enjoying my Devils stuff at the moment with the VFL guys on Wednesdays and balancing the two, it’s really exciting.

“To get some experience in that space with Jeromey (Webberley, Tasmania senior coach) has been really good for my learning and continuity with northern players.

“Between Darren (Crawford) and I, he does the under-18 northern hub and I do the older guys, we’re leading that space at the moment.”