Kingborough star Kieran Lovell on goals of playing in Tasmania’s VFL side following star performance in 2024 state clash

One of the TSL’s best ever players says his ambitions of playing in Tasmania’s incoming VFL program have only been heightened following Saturday’s state clash.

Tasmania celebrate its victory over Queensland in the 2024 representative clash at Bond University. Picture: Aaron Black.

While he admits he’s in a race against time, Kingborough midfielder Kieran Lovell says getting the chance to once again represent Tasmania has only intensified his desire to be involved with the state’s incoming VFL team.

Lovell was at his damaging best in the 46-point win over Queensland on Saturday, with his ability to not only win his own ball but provide plenty of pressure on the defensive end earning both praise from coach Aaron Cornelius and the 2024 Lefroy medal as Tasmania’s best player.

It was another outstanding personal performance from the 27 year-old who has managed to put a tough injury run last year behind him to also claim a Darrel Baldock medal in the Tigers 2023 premiership triumph and an Anzac Day medal this season.

2024 Lefroy Medalist Kieran Lovell (right) with Tasmania coach Aaron Cornelius (left). Picture: Aaron Black.

The former Hawthorn player missed Tasmania’s win over Queensland at North Hobart last year through injury and said the chance to don ‘The Map’ for the first time since 2019 was something he didn’t take for granted.

“I remember sort of looking back on all my games previously for Tasmania as a 16 and 18-year-old, they’re some of the most fun times I’ve had as a footballer. So, it was really nice to reflect on that and go back and play for the state again,” Lovell said.

“It was a bit of a bummer to miss last year in front of the big crowd at North Hobart. So, coming into this one, I was super excited to go out there and have a good performance and lock myself into the next game up north as well.”

A player long regarded as one of the TSL’s premier on-ballers, Lovell has experienced plenty across the journey but the potential to play on a weekly basis for his home state is one thing he says is still a personal goal.

“It’s going to be a bit of a race against the clock whether it’s going to come in while I’m still playing good enough footy to be playing VFL but hopefully it’s sooner rather than later, because I’d love to play in that sort of side,” he said.

Lovell is the ultimate big game player having also been named best on ground in Kingborough’s 2023 premiership win. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“Playing for Tassie again has sort of brought me back to wanting to play at a high level again, so that’s definitely something I think about.

“I’m 27 now. Last year I felt like I was about 35 (with the injuries) and this year I’m feeling 27 again.

“I think I’ve still got good footy ahead of me. My body’s starting to feel good again and I’m starting to get my hands on the footy and playing sort of how I was playing at my best. I’m definitely positive as to where my footy could go.”