NTFA: Why Premier League needs cracking Good Friday contest

North Launceston flexed their muscle with a big win over Longford in a lopside opening round of the Premier League while a Launceston recruit shone in their win over the Bulldogs. We take a look at five things we learned across the NTFA this weekend.

Launceston recruit Archie Wilkinson celebrates one of his four goals against South Launceston with teammates. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

The new-look NTFA Premier League began with lopsided results and a halftime melee, while the new kids on the division two block continue to dominate. Here’s what we learned from round one.

ALL EYES ON GOOD FRIDAY

It’s only a week old but to put it bluntly, the league sorely needs the Good Friday clash between North Launceston and Launceston to be at least semi-competitive.

The Bombers gave an indication of the gulf in class between some of their opponents by beating Longford 20.23 (143) to 0.6 (6) on Saturday night, and the margin could have been more if not for average goalkicking and entries inside 50.

The last thing the NTFA and AFL Tasmania needs is for the Blues to lay an egg in the traditional Easter fixture between the old TSL rivals.

On paper Launceston looks improved from last year, and began their campaign with a 77-point win at South Launceston.

The Blues kicked the only two goals of the first quarter before Launceston dominated the rest of the match.

Launceston can ill afford being so slow out of the blocks against the Bombers, who beat them 167-5, 118-34 and 107-31 last year.

South Launceston are probably the third best team and the ease in which the Blues beat them makes a cracking contest on Friday all the more critical.

HALF-TIME MELEE COULD BE EXAMINED

There’s little doubt the tribunal will examine the half-time melee in the South Launceston-Launceston clash with a fine-tooth comb.

The skirmish involved almost every player after Blues skipper Jake Hinds booted a goal after the siren, and continued for some time as both teams departed for the dressing sheds.

The two sides haven’t played each other since 2013 and the adrenaline levels may have been elevated for round one of a new league, but it wouldn’t surprise to see sanctions handed out.

“Yeah, it probably will (get looked at), but we’ll deal with that,” Hinds said.

“I think that’s just round one footy, everyone’s a bit excited and there hasn’t been a South Launnie v Launnie game since 2013.”

ARCHIE ENJOYS STRONG HOMECOMING

Launceston key forward Archie Wilkinson is targeting wearing ‘The Map’ at some point this season after celebrating his return to his junior club with four goals in Saturday’s win at South Launceston.

Although he’s a different style of player, Wilkinson will effectively replace Blues stalwart Dylan Riley, who also booted four in St Pat’s two-point win over Hillwood in division one.

“I like big full forwards running straight lines and not letting anyone get in their way. To have him back at the club is awesome,” new Blues coach Jake Hinds said after the game.

Wilkinson received praise from Hinds earlier this week on his tough pre season, including breaking seven minutes for the 2km time trial for the first time.

Wilkinson is part of the northern academy and looks primed to take the next step.

“It’s a good young group at the moment and I’ve been chomping at the bit all pre season,” Wilkinson said after the 77-point win over the Bulldogs.

“It’s been a breath of fresh air I guess, there’s a lot of characters in the group.

“The 2km is what scares you and you want to be fit for that, that got me into shape and then rolled into more footy specific stuff.”

Wilkinson has been working hard on improving his efforts at ground level.

“I’ve been alright in the air for a while an d probably lacked a bit at ground level. I’m just making sure I give second and third efforts at ground level as well,” he said.

“I’m loving it (northern academy), I really look forward to that in my week. It’s a step up in intensity and it’s good to be around those guys.

“That’s the goal (to represent Tasmania), that’s what I’m working towards so hopefully the hard work can pay off. If it doesn’t, so be it.”

ROCHERLEA MAKES HUGE STATEMENT

The widespread general consensus is Rocherlea is clearly the team to beat in division one, and they’ve done little to dispel those opinions.

The Tigers backed up a 47-point win at Bridgenorth in round one by belting Lilydale by 83 points on Saturday to celebrate coach Luke Richards’ 200th game for the club.

Rocherlea won the 2023 NTFA premier division flag and have been one of the north’s most consistent clubs for years.

They haven’t lost any players from last season and there is an argument to be built they could be the north’s second-best side behind North Launceston.

In other division one results former Launceston veteran Dylan Riley kicked four goals on debut for St Pats in their two-point win at Hillwood, Old Launcestonians edged out Bridgenorth by eight points and Bracknell bet George Town by 30.

Most expect division one to be far closer than the premier league, and early exposed evidence backs that up thus far.

NTFA NEWCOMERS CONTINUE SCORING SPREE

Campbell Town, the new kids on the NTFA block, have wasted little time making a statement in their long-awaited return to the north.

The Robins were a member of the ODFA since 2009, but have been included in the division two league and have racked up two huge wins.

They beat University 198-12 in the opening round, with Aaron Viney and Nedd Carr booting six goals apiece.

On Saturday they whacked Meander Valley 173-12, where it was coach Corry Goodluck’s turn to kick a half dozen majors.

It was part of a lopsided round with East Coast beating University 188-9 and Perth accounting for Evandale by 62 points.

BOMBERS SEND IMMEDIATE WARNING

North Launceston sent an ominous warning of the beltings which may await opponents after starting the new NTFA Premier League with a 20.23 (143) to 0.6 (6) win over Longford on Saturday night.

But Bombers coach Adrian Smith said the club remains committed to joining their rivals in helping improve the six-team league over time.

After winning last year’s swan song Tasmanian State League with an unbeaten campaign, the Bombers outclassed and outran the Tigers in a sign of the current class gulf between them and the rest of the competition.

The wide expanses of UTAS Stadium meant the visitors, who fielded a number of debutants after losing some experience over summer, were unable to curb the Bombers’ unrelenting running power.

Ryder Bugg enjoyed a memorable debut for North Launceston with four goals. Fellow debutant Rylee McHenry was also a standout, with Sam Simpson best on ground after spending more time in the middle.

After the game North Launceston coach Adrian Smith said it’s up to all clubs and stakeholders, including themselves, to continue to work toward their goal of making it the best competition in the state.

That will take time, but Smith backed new Tigers coach Kacey Curtis as the right appointment to help Longford bridge the gap in coming years.

“I had a chat to Kacey, he’s a great fella and he’s the right person to build that standard,” Smith said.

“Because he wants to learn and he wants to be better, and he wants the clubs to be better.

“There’s a gulf at the moment in the competition standard and that’s OK, everyone’s got to get better and we’ve got to get better.

“The standard (improvement) will take how long it takes. Us clubs have to work together to make sure it’s better, from umpiring and administration standards and everything else, to make sure we’re the best competition in the state.”

The result came after fellow former TSL side Launceston hammered South Launceston, regarded by many as the league’s third-best team, by 77 points, despite the Bulldogs kicking the only two goals of the first quarter.

To Longford’s credit they never waved the white flag and kept their head over the ball, but were ultimately overwhelmed by a far superior opponent.

“At the end of the day we want to make sure we’re really good defensively, we set the ground up and worked on our defensive principles,” Smith said.

“The majority of the night we were able to defend how we wanted.

“We missed our connection inside 50 so that’s a big room for improvement going forward. We were able to get good outside speed and shape in our game, we just couldn’t finish our work.

“At the end of the day it’s our ability to have system. Our kids bought into system. Ryder played his role, Ryley McHendry off half-back was electric, but they’re young.

“The whole competition from what I look at over the first round, it’s a young competition. As a collective group of six clubs we have to make sure we keep teaching these kids how to play the right way.”

North Launceston should be pushed a little more against a Blues side improved on paper in next week’s traditional Good Friday night clash.

NORTH LAUNCESTON 7.5 10.11 13.17 20.23 (143) def LONGFORD 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 (6)

Goals: North Launceston - Brad Cox-Goodyer 4, Ryder Bugg 4, Brandon Leary 3, Jacob Kerr 3, Sam Simpson 2, Tyane Thomas, Declen Chugg, Alex Lee, Sam Simpson, Bailey Mitchell, Jack Avent; Longford - Oliver Chugg; Longford - Oliver Chugg

Best: North Launceston - Sam Simpson, Jacob Kerr, Alex Lee, Ryley McHenry, Ryder Bugg, Brandon Leary; Longford - Ben Murfett, Dylan Headland, Charlie Taylor, Jett Maloney, Tom Gatenby, Mitchell Bennett

WOOTTON DOMINATES AS OLD RIVALRY IGNITES

Electric Launceston midfielder Lucas Wootton showed why he has attracted interest as a potential AFL draftee after a dominant display in a fiery return of their rivalry with South Launceston on Saturday.

The speedy Wootton, who was named in last year’s National Futures Boys program and played a curtain raiser before last year’s AFL grand final, was outstanding in the midfield alongside brother-in-law Brodie Palfreyman in the 14.23 (107) to 4.6 (30) win at Youngtown Oval.

It was the first time the Blues and Bulldogs had squared off since 2013. That rivalry bubbled to the surface with a half time melee involving almost every player after Blues coach Jake Hinds kicked a goal after the siren.

South Launceston’s Toby Morrison has the honour of kicking the first goal of the inaugural NTFA Premier League, and the Bulldogs kicked the only two majors of the first quarter.

Stung into action, the Blues kicked 14 goals to two after the first break, and could have won by more if not for an inaccurate 5.11 in the last term.

Launceston's Lucas Wootton looks to gather possession. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

Wootton’s one-touch skills and ability to burst effortlessly out of packs was impossible to miss in a best on ground performance.

“I don’t know how many disposals he had but he just looked a class above, he looked like he had all the time in the world out there,” Hinds said.

“He’s got agility and speed, and composure when he’s got the ball. In the second quarter, he and Palf (Palfreyman) are brother in laws and they were going tit for tat at one stage.

“It’s a good combination with them two working together.

Asked if Wootton has draft potential, Hinds said: I think he’s got all the attributes to. He can obviously play the game, and his mentality and the way he approaches it is all top level. “That’s an underrated factor in getting drafted and playing that next level, is your professionalism.

Launceston and South Launceston players engage in a melee at halftime on Saturday. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

“He wants to get better and that’s all you can ask for someone like him, he’s pretty level headed and that will take him a long way.”

Season opening adrenaline took over when both teams locked horns in a spirited melee after the half time siren.

It is likely to be examined closely by the tribunal this week.

“Yeah, it probably will (get looked at), but we’ll deal with that,” Hinds said.

“I think that’s just round one footy, everyone’s a bit excited and there hasn’t been a South Launnie v Launnie game since 2013.

“To have that rivalry back I think is good for NTFA footy, so it’s not just us against North (Launceston).

Launceston's Ryan Schipp assesses his options. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

“Sometimes the boys just get a bit carried away in round one. I encourage the boys to play on the edge and that’s how I’ve played my career, there’s that line you don’t want to cross.”

Bulldogs co-coach Grant Holt was pleased with his side’s intensity, especially the first quarter where they exposed the Blues on transition after turnovers.

“We knew they’re a class outfit and they proved it today,” Holt said.

“Our start was really good, (but) when we came down to the realistic side of things we have nine debutants from the (NTFA premier division) premiership side of last year.

“We knew it would be a challenge but I asked them to crack in and celebrate the small things, and they did.

South Launceston captain Harry Charlesworth and Launceston's Jayden Hinds eye off the ball. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

“Their midfield was too classy with Wootton and Palf just running hard forward.

“If he (Wootton) doesn’t get drafted, there’s something wrong about that You can’t touch him and he keeps going, they’re a really good midfield and they put us to the sword.”

The Blue’s Hillwood recruit Archie Wilkinson was brilliant with four goals, as was former Longford gun Zac Morris across half-back.

In Saturday’s other clash Deloraine recovered from a slow start to win at Scottsdale 17.6 (108) to 9.4 (58).

The Magpies kicked five of the first six goals and led by 19 at quarter time, but the Kangaroos kicked 15 goals to four after the first break, including eight straight to take control.

South Launceston's Tom Summers is tackled by Launceston's Ben Hyatt. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

LAUNCESTON 0.4 7.9 9.12 14.23 (107) def SOUTH LAUNCESTON 2.2 3.3 3.6 4.6 (30)

Goals: Launceston - Archie Wilkinson 4, Jake Hinds 3, Ben Hyatt 2, Lochie Plunkett, Brodie Palfreyman, Jayden Hinds, Lenny Faulkner; South Launceston - Logan Smith, Sam Lucas, Hunter Farrelly, Toby Morrison

Best: Launceston - Lucas Wootton, Zac Morris, Archie Wilkinson, Lochie Plunkett, Oliver Atkins, Ryan Shipp; South Launceston - Harry Charlesworth, Thomas Munting, Tom Summers, Grant Holt, Tom Graham, Logan Smith

DELORAINE 2.0 6.1 12.3 17.6 (108) def SCOTTSDALE 5.1 5.1 8.4 9.4 (58)

Goals: Deloraine - Ryan Berne 3, Ben Blacklow 3, Nick Milbourne 3, Lucas Bakes 2, Sam Saward, Riley Andrews, Jaylen Chilcott, Jayden Last, Darcy Huett, Brad Rickard; Scottsdale - Lachlan Gladwin 2, Bradley Whish-Wilson 2, Nicholas Cresswell, Bryton Mullins, George Davies, Joe Krushka, Lochlan Bowerman

BOMBER BAYLE’S BRAVE INJURY BATTLE

North Launceston coach Adrian Smith has revealed gun half-back Harry Bayles battled a “significant” hip injury which required major surgery in the back end of last year’s unbeaten TSL campaign.

Bayles established himself as one of the state’s best young prospects with an outstanding season in the Bombers’ run to the flag, and also was named Tasmania’s best in last year’s narrow loss to Canberra/Sydney.

Bayles’ grand final against Lauderdale ended early with a collarbone injury, but Smith praised his professionalism for continuing to play under duress with his hip issue.

“Harry has had a limited pre season. He had major surgery on his hip and wasn’t able to do anything for about 12 to 14 weeks post November,” Smith said before Saturday night’s NTFA Premier League home season opener against Longford.

“He’s had a significant injury to overcome and is slowly building his fitness base, and not many people knew that.

“He’s a true professional in terms of looking after his body and making sure he’s right to play. “He’ll progress this year from that half back role with some more midfield time, and make him a more rounded footballer so he can progress more permanently into that Devils program next year.”

Although he still managed to be a standout, Smith said Bayles battled each week to be fit to play.

“It’s a complex injury. He managed it for the last eight to ten weeks of the year, and sometimes we didn’t think he would play,” Smith said.

“He did a bloody good job to get through the back half of the year post that state game in one piece, to be honest with you.”

A handful of Bombers including Blade Sulzberger, Mitch Nicholas and Jack Aherne have departed for the SANFL or VFL, but Smith expects to have the services of another gun youngster Oscar Van Dam for some games this year.

Van Dam has signed with North Melbourne’s VFL side after a breakout campaign in the midfield for North Launceston, but will have a dual registration agreement with the Bombers.

“We’re not sure yet (how many games he will play), enough to play finals hopefully,” Smith said.

“We’re looking through the finer details of that. We haven’t verbalised it too much in the wider world, but think it’ll be something that will work out for us.

“That (VFL) is his priority, and he knows when the VFL rosters align he’s got a chance to play for us if he wants to.

“It’s one of those situations we’ll work through as we go, there’s a number of opportunities where he can play (for us).”

Smith said it’s up to all stakeholders to drive the success of the new NTFA Premier League.

“It’s about making sure the whole organision continues to be professional, we continue to push each other to be the best we can, and have the best product we can for our kids in the north, that’s the bottomline,” he said.

“To continue to build talent and provide opportunities for the best players in the north to strive to be in the best leagues, and play at the highest level.

“From coaching, to off field support, to game systems and league support, it’s about being as professional as we can and building the best brand going forward.

“If we do that, then we’ll have a healthy competition.”

NEW TIGERS COACH EXCITED BY YOUNG CUBS

They may have lost some key players, but new Longford coach Kacey Curtis can see the silver lining as the Tigers prepare to hand debuts to a number of youngsters against North Launceston on Saturday night.

The Tigers enter their season opener in the inaugural NTFA Premier on the back of a grand final appearance last year, and a drought-breaking flag in 2022.

The departures of the likes of Jack Donnellan, Lachie Dakin, Liam Davies, Zac Morris and Luke Murfitt-Cowen means some young guns will get a chance to develop this season.

Curtis replaces Mitch Stagg as coach after he was skipper in previous seasons, with Connor Alexander taking over the captaincy.

Curtis is excited at the challenge of navigating the club through their Premier League challege, which begins at UTAS Stadium against the Bombers, last year’s unbeaten TSL premiers.

“We’re going to have seven or so debutants straight up,” Curtis said.

“We’ve still got some experience with players who’ve been at that TSL level. We’ll back ourselves to be competitive against them, but we respect where they’re at and where we’re at, and we’ll give it our best.

“Some are inolved with the Devils and we’re starting to look to the future. We’re at UTAS Stadium against the biggest clb in the north straight away, but regardless fo the result it’s something they’ll remember forever.

“Some of them are 16 or 17 years old. As a first year coach I get a chance to help develop these kids, we’ve got nothing to lose.”

Longford skipper Kacey Curtis hunts the ball at the bottom of a pack. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

Curtis said his former teammates left with the Tigers’ blessing.

“I’m really good mates with those guys, and every single bloke had their good reasons,” he said.

“It was nothing personal and we’re all at that age, 26 or 27, handling different things with work and other commitments.

“(For instance) Lachie Dakin has been a loyal Tiger his whole life, and has gone back to play at his home town Evandale.

“They’ve all got their reasons and I respect every single one of them still. They’ve left on good terms, and we hope to have them back in the future.”

In a massive boost former AFL player and club junior Isaac Chugg will play limited games for the Tigers this season.

The 23-year-old who played two games for Collingwood in 2022, is dual registered with his incumbent Gippsland League club Wonthaggi.

Chugg will play his first game of the season for the Tigers at home against Scottsdale in round two next Saturday.

“You can only qualify (for finals) for one side. At this stage it’s limited games and we’ll see how it goes.

“He’ll go straight into the middle for us, for sure. We’ve lost a couple of experienced midfielders like Liam Davies and Lachie Dakin.

“To add him in for a few games to help our young guys is a big boost.”

Saturday’s match begins at 6.30pm.

NEW BLUES COACH URGES POSITIVE APPROACH TO NEW LEAGUE

New Launceston coach Jake Hinds has urged stakeholders to “stay positive” about the NTFA Premier League, as teams prepare for round one after a summer of strong debate.

The new-look competition has attracted criticism and discontent from some quarters, who question whether it’s a progressive move after the Tasmania State League was scrapped.

That opinion has been led by former TSL heavyweights the Blues and North Launceston, who are expected to dominate the league this year as it looks to find its feet.

Hinds has taken over as coach from triple premiership-winning mentor Mitch Thorp this season, after a year at Bridgenorth, where he won the NTFA premier division’s best and fairest award.

He said it’s up to the clubs as much as league officials to do the work to ensure the six-team league, which has been locked in for at least the next three years, is successful.

“I think everyone needs to stay positive about the competition,” Hinds said.

“Everyone’s had their opinions, it is what it is now and it’s locked in for three years. It’s no good complaining about it now, it’s just about making it work.

“It’s on us as much as it is the NTFA to make it work. If we’re playing an exciting brand of footy that’s when the crowds get involved.

“If you keep your program and standards high, it keeps that separation between us and the lower divisionswhen you have players aspiring to play the highest level.

“It can make you a desitination (for players), not just our club but the comp in general.

“That’s how we’re looking at it. There’s obviously been some ‘riff raff’ around it when it started, but we control what we can now and not look too far ahead with it all.”

Jake Hinds.. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The Blues begin their campaign at South Launceston on Saturday.

While Scottsdale and Deloraine in particular are expected to struggle onfield initially, Hinds is confident the league will eventually balance itself out.

“If you look back at the past when South Launnie came back (to NTFA) when they first left the state league, they won a few flags but it soon sorts itself out,” Hinds said.

“There’s also player movement, it’ll eventually settle down I feel.

“Yes, us and North coming from state league have an advantage in that regard, but South and Longford played off in a grand final last year and they’re no mugs.

“The other teams likes Scottsdale and Deloraine, they’ve got their coaches sorted and they’ll create a plan and see that out.”

Life members and former captains Chris Savage and Kane Sanders will be his non-playing assistants, while skipper Brodie Palfreyman is also an assistant.

Blues three-time premiership winner Sonny Whiting, the 2013 Peter Hudson medallist who has kicked over 400 goals in over 150 games for the Blues, is back in the fold.

Former AFL star Jackson Thurlow is also back, but Hinds doesn’t expect him to play every week given he has two young children.

Goalkicker Sonny Whiting is back at Launceston after a few years’ absence. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

“Having our leaders helping me out as a first time coach has been awesome, as well as assistant coaches because at the end of the day I still want to be playing good footy myself.

“I don’t just want it to be what I say goes, you want different voices and opinions. We’ve been having fun and enjoying our footy, because that’s one of the main reasons why you play footy.”

A number of players who moved to Bridegnorth last year are back in the team.

While key forward Dylan Riley has left for St Pats, Hinds has been hugely impressed by the summer of Hillwood recruit Archie Wilkinson, who topped the NTFA premier division’s goal kicking the past two years.

Zac Morris, who played for Longford last year after a SANFL, is another major pick up and he is expected to play half-back.

“He’s lost a lot of weight and got himself in really good nick,” Hinds said.

“He ran a sub seven (minute) 2km for the senior state academy, so he’s up and going and really locked in over the pre season. Hopefully he reaps the rewards.

“Zac played the first state game across half back and has done most of his pre season there for us

Against Clarence we threw Zac forward the last quarter and he kicked three goals. To have that up our sleeves is very handy, but he’ll start as a half-back for us.”

The Blues have lost handy young players Liam Jones (Glenelg), Isaac Hyatt (Glenelg) and Sam Foley (South Adelaide) to SANFL.

The trio finished top three in the club’s best and fairest last year.

LOWE BLOW AS BULLDOGS ENLIST NEW LEADERS

South Launceston will face life in the new-look NTFA Premier League without arguably the league’s best player in recent years after Cody Lowe’s move to the SANFL.

The ruckman, named best on ground in the Bulldogs’ grand final win over Longford last year, has followed premiership coach Jack Maher to South Adelaide.

Maher has joined the Panthers as an assistant, and The Mercury reported late last year he had recommended the club give Lowe a train and trial opportunity in December.

The 25-year-old impressed enough to be picked up, leaving young incoming co-coaches Grant Holt and Tom Foon without a major weapon before Saturday’s home season opener against Launceston.

South Launceston ruck Cody Lowe was named best on ground in the Bulldog's NTFA premier grand final win over Longford last year. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

Lowe won the Coaches MVP last season, and finished runner-up in the league’s best and fairest for the second straight year.

Foon said Caleb Nason and Clark Williams are likely to be given first crack at filling the ruck role.

“He (Lowe) trained well and they were really happy with him and offered him a contract. He’s loving it so far,” Foon said.

“It’s a massive job (to replace him) and we’ve got some guys who can roll through there at some stage. For now it’s probably guys like Caleb Nason, Clark Williams, maybe those two for the time being, but you can’t expect too much as it’s a big role to fill.

“But they’ve shown what they can do in the pre season and they’re definitely good enough. It’s a good opportunity for them.

“It (Lowe’s move) shows the system works we’ve got is working. We’ve got some guys around the traps who have been there before which helps.”

Foon said he had been in constant contact with Maher, and his predecessor Anthony Taylor, for tips and advice before his first head coaching gig.

Grant Holt (middle) and Tom Foon (right) will co-coach South Launceston this season, with Brendan Taylor (left) filling an assistant role. Picture: South Launceston FC

“I won’t lie, I’ve been in contact a fair bit (with Maher),” Foon said.

“He took us a to a premiership so you get a lot of advice from guys like that, and I’ve been reliant on Anthony Taylor a fair bit as well.

“Through the year it’s going to be guys like that we come back to the majority of the time, who have been in the position before and know what they’re talking about.

“The main thing (in Maher’s advice) is controlling what we can control. The hardest thing as a playing coach is to play good footy as well as telling others what to do. For me personally it’s focusing on what I can control, and still play good footy at the end of the day.”

Luke McCarty has signed with St Helens and Leigh Harding is retired, but Foon is confident the talent coming through the system can help fill the void.

The Bulldogs won last year’s under-18 premiership, and also made the reserves grand final.

“We (Foon and Holt) are both super young, but have got some super minds and support systems around us,” Foon said.

“The club is in an awesome spot. Jack did a heap of work with the juniors and the system coming up. We’re all on the same page and the talent coming through is unbelievable.”