NTFA grand final: Lowe cements place as league’s best big man

Some encouragement from South Launceston leaders his game could reach a new level helped ruck Cody Lowe claim the best on ground medal in Saturday’s NTFA grand final win over Longford.

South Launceston ruck Cody Lowe was named best on ground in the Bulldog's NTFA premier grand final win over Longford on Saturday. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

A gentle nudge from South Launceston leaders who believed he could find a different level propelled ruck Cody Lowe to a best on ground display in Saturday’s grand final win over Longford.

Already acknowledged by most as the best big man in the league, the 25-year-old stepped up when it mattered most as the underdog Tigers built a 15-point lead in the third quarter.

His ability to win the hitouts allowed the Bulldogs’ experienced on-ballers to help lift the side to first senior flag in six years with a 10.8 (68) to 8.11 (59) win.

Lowe said a desire to get more fit and durable has been a major factor behind his career best form this year.

And some leaders have also pumped up his tyres to try and reach his ceiling.

“I’ve found some good form this year and got my game going,” Lowe said.

“(Assistant coach) Jay Blackberry and (veteran) Brendan Taylor have helped me out, talking to me and saying where I can go (in the game), so credit to them.

“(Their main advice has been) probably to just play smart, I’ve got to settle down every now and then and tend to get a bit excited.

“I’ve just got myself fit and try and not to get injured every week, it’s a hard position to play.”

Lowe’s battle with Michael Larby and Deagan Madden in the ruck was a highlight, particularly against Larby who was one of Longford’s best.

Both Tigers big men haven’t played much football in recent weeks and were used in short bursts, but Lowe stood up to the task.

“It was a very contested game, once we got our run going out the middle it definitely helped us,” Lowe said.

“We just had to grind that one out. Luckily enough Tom Foon kicked that one from the boundary late to seal it for us.

“They (Larby and Madden) definitely worked me over, I had to prepare for everything in that game.

“They’ve had a few weeks off and they gave it everything I got, and I did as well.

“We knew we had to come out after halftime and get hot. We set the task to be ahead at three quarter time.”

Maher said Lowe’s form this season was simply reward for hard work.

“I’m so proud of him, he’s one of my good mates here and his improvement this year has been amazing, he deserves everything he gets,” he said.