Established stars, emerging talent and new recruits take to the field as TSL season gets underway
After the longest pre-season in history State League players will finally go to battle for premiership points from tomorrow afternoon. With a host of exciting talent, here’s the ultimate list of players Mercury sports writer Adam Smith suggests you keep an eye on.
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IT HAS been a long time coming but the 2020 TSL season kicks off tomorrow and while the fixture might be condensed due to COVID-19, it promises to be one of the best editions yet.
The cancellation of a number of competitions around the country has seen all State League clubs secure some high profile recruits, and Mercury sports journo Adam Smith lists his 13 players to watch (in no particular order) – a combination of new faces, returning Tasmanians, young rising talent and established stars.
1. Jaye Bowden (Glenorchy): One of the most decorated players to lace up in Tasmania, Bowden has done it all during his glittering career at KGV. While he is nearing the end of playing days, he remains a dangerous force with an ability to impact the scoreboard as well rack of possessions through the midfield.
2. Jackson Callow (North Launceston): The high flying Bomber will be eager to impress in the hopes of catching the attention of any AFL recruiters with no Devils program this year. Callow was the leading goalkicker for the under-18 side in 2019 with 24 and booted three goals in the grand final victory.
3. Sam Collins (North Hobart): Alongside Callow and Clarence’s Oliver Davis, Collins is considered one of the strongest Tasmanian draft hopes this year. The rebounding defender can keep his name in the mix with a strong TSL campaign where he will be one of a number of teenagers looking to lift the Demons back up the ladder.
4. Nicholas Connors (Lauderdale): Connors produced one of the most memorable moments in the country last season when he booted a premiership-winning goal from 50m with just two seconds left in the Geelong Football League grand final for St Mary’s. With the GFL not going ahead in 2020, Lauderdale swooped on the flag hero.
5. Brad Cox-Goodyer (North Launceston): In the past few seasons Cox-Goodyer has claimed the mantle as the TSL’s best player. A five-time premiership star, two-time Baldock medallist as best afield in a grand final and the 2017 Alastair medallist, the lethal left-footer can do it all and is arguably the league’s toughest match up with his size and mobility.
6. Josh Green (Clarence): There will be few players in the competition this season who have a better goal sense than Green. Twice Brisbane’s leading goal kicker, the exciting small forward returns to the Roos after booting 132 goals in 105 AFL matches for the Lions and Essendon. Will miss round one with a broken nose, but will be lighting up the field in no time.
7. Jobi Harper (Launceston): The Blues skipper remains in the upper echelon of midfielders and finished this in the Lynch medal count last year. Like Cox-Goodyer and Bowden, Harper can impact games both in the middle and up forward.
8. Kieran Lovell (Tigers): Returned to his junior club last year after stints with Hawthorn and in the VFL and made an immediate impact with a runner-up in finish in the league best and fairest. A fearless midfielder, Lovell helped lead the club to its first senior final.
9. Josh Ponting (North Launceston): In a side brimming with top level talent Ponting has emerged as a bona fide star to challenge teammate Cox-Goodyer as the best player in the state. The ball magnet has won back to back Lynch medals and was best afield in the grand final last year.
10. Fletcher Seymour (Launceston): A multi-sport talent, Seymour — once a Tigers rookie — ditched the bat and ball to focus on football last season and reaped the rewards. Was runner-up in the media voted player of the year and secured a top five finish for the Lynch medal, all off a relatively limited pre-season. Without doubt has more gears in 2020.
11. Sam Siggins (Lauderdale): Arguably the most flexible player in the league. At 194cm can easily hold down a key position post at either end of the ground, and has proven his credentials as a mobile ruckman. However the Bombers use the former Adelaide Crow as a free wheeling midfielder to devastating effect.
12. Patrick Walker (North Hobart): One of a dozen Devils on the Demons list, Walker will be aiming to transition solid junior numbers into senior TSL level. A noted half back flanker, Walker will get opportunities further up the ground to use his damaging foot skills.
13. Mackenzie Willis (Tigers): Boom recruit for the Tigers, who benefit from the NEAFL competition not getting underway this season. Brings more AFL experience to the club, having played five games for Gold Coast after being drafted alongside good friend Lovell in 2015.
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