SFL coach Richard Robinson says it’s a tough assignment to play the NWFL at Penguin but he has the players to get the job done
SFL coach Richard Robinson is just days away from naming the representative team to take on the NWFL on Saturday. He gives an insight into those impressing him including the player he hadn’t “seen a lot of”.
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SFL coach Richard Robinson has revealed three players who have stepped up and impressed him two days out from naming his team for the southern competition’s representative showdown with the NWFL at Dial Park in Penguin on Saturday.
The former North Hobart State League coach and his SFL assistants will take the squad for one last session at Queenborough Oval on Wednesday night before announcing their team on Thursday.
In an early reveal, Robinson said a trio of players had strongly stepped into selection calculations.
“Cam Hooker from Lauderdale, his foot skills are second to none and he has also gotten himself super-fit, so he is one that has really impressed me,” Robinson said.
“Bailey Gordon from the Tigers – I really love the way he goes about it with his training standards and Darcy Gardner (Brighton) is one I haven’t seen a lot of in previous years but his explosiveness from stoppages is great.
“Then you’ve got seasoned campaigners like Bryce Walsh and Lachie Clifford, who have set the standard at training, and Sam Siggins as well.”
In the first game of the 2025 representative series, the NTFA triumphed over NWFL by 23 points at UTAS Stadium two weeks ago.
The SFL will be well-prepared for the first of its two games against the NWFL.
“We’ve been together as a squad for three weeks now and we’re under no illusions it’s going to be a big challenge going up the Coast and playing the North-West,” Robinson said.
“They were really good against the North in a high-quality game.
“It’s a huge challenge but it’s something the players are looking forward to.”
Robinson and his coaching crew went to see the all-northern contest.
“It was a very even game, and if you look at the stats either team could have won,” Robinson said.
The SFL squad had a recovery session at Bellerive Beach on Sunday followed by a coffee catch-up.
“Connection is a really big part of this squad so it was a really good way for the players to connect,” Robinson.
“We will have our final hitout at Queenborough on Wednesday night before we select the final team.”
After several tough rounds of football, some SFL players must prove their fitness.
“A couple of the boys are a little bit sore and obviously we hope they get up,” Robinson said.
“But if not, it creates an opportunity for someone else.”
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