Host of players in running to win State League’s premier individual award with two rounds remaining

Two of the TSL’s most dominant midfielder share the Lynch Medal lead with two rounds left — but a pair of Bombers are set to swoop. SEE THE LEADERBOARD AND COMPARE THE STATS >>

Adam Smith

@ajsmiddy

2 min read

October 15, 2020 - 4:30PM

Sport

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THE Alastair Lynch Medal count is set for a grandstand finish with a host of players firmly in contention for the TSL’s premier individual award.

The Mercury has exclusively revealed the round by round count for the past 11 days, with the last two rounds and the winner to be revealed Friday morning.

Heading into round 12 Launceston’s Jobi Harper and Tiger Kieran Lovell sit on top with 11 votes, with both polling in round 11.

TSL media player of the year Jobi Harper could add the Alastair Lynch medal to his cabinet. Picture: PATRICK GEE

Harper picked up one vote in the Blues comfortable victory against North Hobart, despite a relatively quiet outing (20 disposals) by the lofty standards he set throughout 2020.

Lovell received two votes for another eye catching performance against Clarence, continuing his barnstorming finish to the season.

Tigers' Kieran Lovell feeds out a handball against Glenorchy. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

The star midfielder collected an equal team high 22 disposals, had eight clearances, six inside 50s and booted a goal as the Tigers picked up their third victory in 10 days, with Lovell polling six votes in the period.

Exciting youngster Elijah Reardon (22 touches, two goals) was judged best afield in the narrow three point win, with Matthew Richardson medallist Oliver Davis stiff to not feature following a 27 possession effort which included six clearances, six inside 50s and five rebound 50s.

Tigers Elijah Reardon picked up three votes in round 11. Picture: Zak Simmonds

North Launceston ruckman Alex Lee’s outstanding performance against Lauderdale netted him the three votes, with ever reliable defender Josh McGuinness awarded two to move into equal fourth on the leaderboard.

Harper — judged the player of the year by the media and named captain of the TSL Team of the Year — is unlikely to poll in the round 12 win against Clarence, and with the Blues having the final round bye may not add to his tally.

The Tigers were smacked by North Launceston in round 11 with the likes of Josh Ponting (32 disposals, 10 clearances), Taylor Whitford (25 touches, two goals), Lee (35 hit outs and a goal) and Daniel Withers (three goals from 18 possessions) set to feature in the votes.

Lovell was serviceable in the last round defeat by Lauderdale (22 disposals and a goal), and could warrant attention from the umpires.

TSL: Glenorchy vs. Lauderdale, KGV: Lauderdale's Josh McGuinness takes a strong overhead mark. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

But the stage could be set for a pair of Bombers to swoop.

Mobile big man Sam Siggins, currently three votes adrift of the leaders, was awarded back to back best on ground efforts in the media award as Lauderdale defeated Glenorchy in the midweek round 12 match and then held off the Tigers at SkyBus Oval, while teammate McGuinness also put in vote-worthy performances with 20 touches, 10 marks and a goal against the Pies at KGV and 25 possessions and a goal in the last round.