Alex Hevey to become just fourth player to register 250 games for Lauderdale

It has been a tough year on the field for Lauderdale but the side will have every reason to try and spring a massive upset against Launceston when it celebrates a stalwart’s major milestone. LATEST >>

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FEW players have bled red and black more than Lauderdale stalwart Alex Hevey and his loyalty and longevity will see him join rarefied air this weekend.

One of the Bombers’ warhorses, Hevey walks out for his 250th match for the club against Launceston at SkyBus Oval.

It will be his 198th senior State League appearance, going with his two TSL reserves games and 50 SFL matches when the club was known as the Cats.

The 31-year-old sits fourth for all time games for Lauderdale behind Matthew Coulson, Dion Mead and Paul Hudson, and admits this milestone has more sentiment to it than previous big occasions.

“This one seems a bit more special than the previous ones, it has been a bit overwhelming with all the messages and all the speeches everyone has given me at the footy club and outside as well,” Hevey said.

Lauderdale Football Club player Alex Hevey will play his 250th game for the club this weekend when they take on Launceston. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“I’ve actually taken this one in a bit more I think.

“It hasn’t been in the back of my mind where I was sitting but I feel privileged to be have been around the club that long and get my name up there with the other guys who have reached milestones.”

It has been a difficult campaign for the Bombers in 2021, who will miss finals after featuring in three consecutive grand finals from 2017-19 and again being the best performed southern club last year.

And while the wins have been few and far between, it hasn’t diminished the love of the game for one of the unheralded midfielders in the side.

“Obviously only winning two games this year has been a bit tough considering how well we have gone in previous years but it is still the same people around the club and that’s a lot of the reason on why I am still there.

“I love rocking up with them every night and going out to battle on the weekend.”

Football. TSL. Lauderdale V North Hobart. Alex Hevey Lauderdale. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Football Tasmania kicks in to help kids afford to play

FOOTBALL Tasmania has launched an altruistic initiative to ensure our best junior soccer talent does not miss out on representing the state due to individual financial pressures.

Focusing on the under-14, under-15 and under-16 age groups and the annual National Youth Championships, Football Tasmania boss Matt Bulkeley kicked off the fundraising initiative through the Australian Sports Foundation to make sure all players can compete when selected to wear state colours.

“As well as being an opportunity to experience a great trip with their teammates, the National Youth Championships are a part of Football Australia’s youth identification pathway,” Bulkeley said.

“We believe every Tasmanian child who is talented enough to be selected in a state team should have the opportunity to participate and put their best foot forward, but unfortunately financial barriers can come into play.”

Eloise Beard and Lucy Holeywell, both 9 from the Zebras, and CEO of Football Tasmania’s Matt Bulkeley. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Open for private donations and the commercial sector, Hobart business Polyfoam Tasmania opening the scoring to help the kids.

“Uniform, accommodation, flights, coaches, support staff and food costs can add up to over $2,500 per participant, which unfortunately not all families are in a position to afford,” Mr Bulkeley said.

“I’d like to encourage other local businesses to sign up to this great cause which can make a real difference for young Tasmanians.”

To get onboard go to https://asf.org.au/communities/football-tasmania/football-tasmania-state-teams-2021/