Lauderdale confirm discussions with Mitch Robinson for next year’s TSL season

Lauderdale may be set to welcome back another former AFL player for the final year of the Tasmanian State League. See the details.

Former Lauderdale midfielder Mitch Robinson (far left) could return to the Bombers for the 2024 TSL season. Pictured here in 2007 with former teammates Tom Brennan, Alex Hevey and Ben Rodgers. Picture: Raoul Kochanowski.

Lauderdale’s strong off-season recruiting drive could yet add another high profile name with former Carlton and Brisbane hard nut, and Tasmanian Football Hall of Fame member, Mitch Robinson in discussions with the club on a return.

Robinson, who was drafted from the Bombers back in 2008, has spoken with his former club about a homecoming to SkyBus Oval for 2024 which would be another major boost for Allen Christensen’s side following the signing of Andrew Phillips on Thursday.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 01: Mitch Robinson leaves the field in his final AFL game after the 2022 AFL Second Elimination Final match between the Brisbane Lions and the Richmond Tigers at The Gabba on September 1, 2022 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Following Robinson’s retirement at the end of the 2022 AFL season, rumours were rife that he was a chance to return to Lauderdale for the 2023 TSL season which Christensen also confirmed on Thursday.

“We are in healthy discussions with Mitch (for next season),” Christensen said.

“I talk to Mitch all the time, we played six years of footy together (at Brisbane), but we will see what that looks like.

“It got relatively close enough (for this season). He loves this football club but we have to wait and see what things look like for him.”

While Christensen was unclear what Robinson’s potential recruitment looked like in terms of a relocation to Tasmania or as a fly-in player, it would be a major coup for both Lauderdale and the TSL in the final year of the state league competition.

It would also mean a fifth former AFL listed player would join the Bombers for next season with Christensen (Geelong and Brisbane), captain Josh McGuinness (Brisbane), three-time Alastair Lynch medallist Sam Siggins (Adelaide) and Phillips (GWS, Carlton and Essendon) all spending time at the elite level.

Tasmanian Football Hall of Fame at Wrest Point Casino on Friday 21st July. Inductees Rickie Dolliver and Mitch Robinson. Picture: Linda Higginson / AFL Tasmania

The Bombers have made their intentions to be big players in the off-season no secret with the club already locking in former Dodges Ferry captain and dangerous forward Cam Hooker and brother Riley for next year, while speculation continues to swirl on another favourite sons’ possible return to ‘The Tip’.

Former Cygnet playing-coach Thor Boscott, who departed Lauderdale at the end of 2019, announced he was leaving the Port after leading his side to last Saturday’s SFL premiership in a come-from-behind win over Huonville Lions.

While Christensen confirmed he had been in contact with Boscott about his intentions for next season, he said there was still plenty to play out with the two-time Gorringe-Martyn medallist.

“No idea (if he is coming back), gives me nothing,” Christensen said.

“I’ve messaged him a couple of times but he is fresh off an amazing win on the weekend so we just have to sort of let him enjoy that and I’ll get to that in time.

Thor Boscott spent four years at Cygnet, playing in four grand finals, and coached the club to two premierships. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“We are in no rush to work out the nuts and bolts of what he is doing next year but we will look at that.”

Former Lauderdale player Robbie McManus could also be a player the Bombers look at for next season after Dodges Ferry announced on social media earlier in the week that he was leaving the club.