Mitch Thorp says upcoming clash with VFL Kangaroos a big test for TSL’s reigning champion

Launceston’s looming clash with North Melbourne’s VFL team exciting for Tasmanian players from both teams, says Blues coach.

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THE TSL’s reigning premier Launceston is set fly the flag for Tasmanian football in a proposed practice match against North Melbourne’s VFL team at either Windsor Park or UTas Stadium on March 6.

Blues coach Mitch Thorp hopes the game can be a curtain-raiser to North Melbourne’s newly-scheduled AFL preseason match against Tasmanian co-tenant Hawthorn at UTas Stadium on the same day.

The Roos were slated to play Adelaide at North Hobart Oval on February 28 and Hawthorn to host Port Adelaide on March 6 in the AAMI Community Series.

But the AFL’s clamp-down on preseason interstate travel due to Covid-19 border restrictions forced a revamp of its practice match competition.

Shaun Higgins of the Kangaroos passes the ball to Jy Simpkin of the Kangaroos who misses a shot at goal in the final minutesnduring the Round 4 AFL match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Sunday, June 28, 2020. (AAP Image/Scott Barbour)

Launceston’s looming date with the VFL Kangaroos would be a solid challenge for Tasmania’s best team, with the match details close to being finalised.

“Brady Rawlings [North Melbourne’s football boss] called me to float the idea,” Thorp said.

“We thought Launceston playing North Melbourne’s VFL side with AFL-listed players would be good for Tassie footy and the relationship we are building with North Melbourne.

“The VFL is a very good competition and our guys are really keen to have a crack.

“The game would be live-streamed with commentary, which is all very exciting for our club.”

TSL, Launceston Mitchell Thorpe at Lauderdale. Picture Chris Kidd

The Kangaroos line-up would include the Tasmanian players they have signed for VFL experience this season.

The Kangas plans to “intern” eight 19 to 22-year-old Tasmanians — one from each of the TSL clubs and one from the North-West Coast — to its list for limited exposure in the new VFL/Eastern Seaboard competition.

So far they include Elijah Reardon (Tigers), Harrison Gunther (Glenorchy), Jake Steele (Clarence), Tom Donnelly (North Launceston), Miller Hodge (Launceston) and two-time NWFL representative Bailey Boag, of Burnie, with a player from North Hobart and Lauderdale to come.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 28: Luke Breust of the Hawks and Josh Walker of the Kangaroos collide during the 2020 AFL Round 04 match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Marvel Stadium on June 28, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

“It will be a good opportunity for North Melbourne to pool those guys together and have a look at them in a game,” Thorp said.

“It is a real positive for us to help prepare for the season. It’s a positive for Tassie football and for North Melbourne’s VFL campaign.”