Hawthorn talent boss backs Tassie team push, focus on schools

Hawthorn talent boss and two-time North Launceston premiership coach Zane Littlejohn has backed Tassie’s push for its own team, believing it’d be a timely shot in the arm for football in the state.

MELBOURNE. 25611/2022. Hawthorn training at Waverly. Box Hill coach Zane Littlejohn at training today. Picture by Michael Klein

HAWTHORN talent development manager Zane Littlejohn has backed AFL Tasmania’s pledge to increase the game’s presence in schools as football looks to fend off growing competition for the state’s best young talent.

When in Hobart to step up the sales pitch for Tasmania to have its own team, AFL boss Gil McLachlan said the aim was for the game be played in 100 per cent of schools, and to double participation within 10 years.

That focus was supported by AFL Tasmania officials and Littlejohn, a two-time premiership coach and life member at North Launceston, also backed the lofty goal.

Basketball has enjoyed a surge in Tasmania due to the introduction of the JackJumpers in the NBL.

Coach Zane Littlejohn and captain Mitchell Vandenburg lift the cup after North Launceston won the 2014 TSL grand final.

Littlejohn has previous experience in junior development in the north-west, and had a playing stint at Latrobe.

“Part of my role when I was working as a trainee at AFL Tas was footy in schools. I still remember with Aurora Footy we’d go around all the schools on the north-west coast, myself and Darren Crawford, and run extra Auskick programs after hours,” he said.

“There was guys in the north and south doing the same role. It was really powerful and you could see every young kid was touching a footy.

“I have no doubt it correlated to them going home and wanting to go to their local club, and have a game of footy.

“Getting back to schools is a big asset, I have no doubt that’s what basketball has done and you can see the output that’s given.”

Hawthorn recently extended its agreement to play games at UTAS Stadium until 2025, and want to continue a presence in the state even if Tasmania acquires its own license.

Littlejohn, who also coaches Hawthorn’s VFL side Box Hill, joined the Hawks late last year after six years as a development coach at Brisbane, and head coach of the Lions Academy.

He said the state getting its own side would be a massive shot in the arm for the game, as well as proposed new talent academies in Hobart, Launceston and Penguin.

TSL: Lauderdale vs. North Launceston, Lauderdale Oval: North Launceston coach Zane Littlejohn Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

“When I was lucky enough to work for AFL Tasmania before I went to university, the north, north-west and south were pretty strong footy communities,” he said.

“Unfortunately for whatever reason they’ve died away the past ten years.

“Tassie is an AFL heartland, and has been for years now. If we’re able to get our own team it will be a proud day for everyone in the state.

“The Hawks have been down there for 20-odd years now, and they’ve been open and honest in saying they’re supportive of a Tassie team coming in.

“There needs to be some product to continue to roll through Tassie, to have no live product in Tassie would be devastating.

“It’s a great asset to have teams like us and North Melbourne come down and give the youth something to aspire to, and hopefully when Tassie get their own team it could be them running out for them.”

“The most important thing is the north and south combine, regardless of where the line’s drawn on the map.

“We’re all united and on the one page if Tassie hopefully does get a team.”

Hawthorn takes on Collingwood in a pre season match at UTAS Stadium on Thursday from 5.10pm, with entry free.