‘Probably would have stayed:’ Magpies skipper backs more rep footy to stop player exodus

Glenorchy skipper Harrison Gunther has admitted he “probably would have stayed” in Tasmania over moving to the SANFL had more rep opportunities like those in store next year were in place.

Glenorchy skipper Harrison Gunther has backed an expanded rep program underpinned by regional academies. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Glenorchy skipper Harrison Gunther says he would likely have remained in Tasmania over heading to the SANFL had their been greater representative opportunities that will be on offer next year.

Gunther won ‘The Devil’ award, voted on by Tasmanian players and awarded to who best embodies what it means to wear ‘The Map’, after Saturday’s six-point loss to Sydney/Canberra in Launceston.

The defender returned to the Magpies this season after two years with South Adelaide, but admitted he would likely have remained in the black and white if there was more chances to represent Tasmania.

The state played two games this year, up from one last season. That will expand to five or six next year, with AFL Tasmania to also introduce senior academies in all three regions.

“You’d have competitive games here and it would have been something I would have thought about real strongly, but I probably would have stayed to be honest,” Gunther said.

“I think being able to stay around friends and family, and play against the opposition we did on the weekend, there’d be no reason to go away.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing the structure of next year and the opportunity for myself and some of the other boys, even the 18s boys to see they have a future in Tassie, and can stay here and play state footy.

“I’m looking forward to what’s next for the senior state academy.”

Sam Siggins celebrates a goal for Tasmania against Sydney/Canberra. Picture: Linda Higginson/AFL Tasmania

Tasmania’s inaccuracy was costly in the 10.10 (70) to 8.16 (64), which means they split their two games after a victory in Queensland last month.

Coach Trent Baumeler said some defensive breakdowns and not capitalising on momentum in the third quarter came back to bite them.

“There was a period in the third quarter where we were on top, but we had some defensive system breakdowns where they were able to get through us and get back into the game,” he said.

“We won clearance and the inside 50 count so we gave ourselves opportunities to win, but couldn’t get over the line in the end.”

The Kingborough mentor indicated the season lengths for the new regional premier leagues may be around 15 games to squeeze in more representative football, and some games might be scheduled for pre-season.

“Our preparation for game two got a bit disjointed where we encountered some ordinary weather in the lead up. That’s not excuse but it’s the reality of what we faced,” he said.

“To have an earlier start and potentially train as a group over summer with our strength and conditioning program, you get that synergy when you’re coming from different regions.”

Gunther said Sydney/Canberra’s ability to maintain it’s contest pressure for longer told in the end.

“I was really impressed with Sydney’s ability to win the contest. They were real strong in there and our boys were as well, but later in the game they were stronger than us and got over the line,” he said.

“They brought the heat, for a lot of the game we controlled it but footy ebbs and flows.”