Sulzberger latest Bomber to make mainland move

A desire to push his boundaries as a player compelled North Launceston premiership star Blade Sulzberger to become the latest Bomber to join a mainland state league team.

North Launceston premiership player Blade Sulzberger has signed with Northern Bullants. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

A desire to finish his footballing life with no regrets propelled Blade Sulzberger to become the latest North Launceston TSL premiership star to head to the mainland.

Sulzberger, who helped the Bombers to an unbeaten flag on his 21st birthday on grand final day, has signed with VFL outfit Northern Bullants.

He’s the second Bomber who represented Tasmania and made the TSL team of the year last season to officially depart, after Paul Hudson medallist Harvey Griffiths’ move to West Adelaide.

North Launceston’s squad won’t be ravaged as much as many feared before next year’s inaugural NTFA Premier League, where the Bombers and an improved Launceston look set to dominate.

Sulzberger established himself as one of the state’s leading midfielders, which is where the Bullants envisage him playing most of his football.

He also took on a strong leadership role at the Bombers, and will now look to prove himself to his new teammates.

“I’ve been thinking about it probably during the season as well, I’m keen to get stuck into it,” Sulzberger said.

“When I’m older I just want to know I did push myself and actually had a crack.

“With the Tassie stuff (expanded representative schedule) going ahead next year I wasn’t too sure to begin with, but I thought it would be beneficial for myself to move away and get the full year of VFL under my belt.

“The coach (Rohan Welsh) told me he wants me to play midfield, but they’ve got a lot of strong players there.

“Hopefully I can slot into that midfield role but if not half forward and a little bit of half-back.”

Blade Sulzberger and Harvey Griffiths, pictured celebrating this year’s grand final win, are off to the SANFL and VFL respectively. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Like Griffiths, Sulzberger hasn’t given up on graduating to the AFL but establishing himself in the Bullants’ line-up is the immediate goal.

“I went over there and trained for a couple of weeks. The training standard and the difference with a VFL program, it’s a big jump, but it’s very beneficial.

“It’s just the intensity and they gym and train on the same night. You’re very fatigued the next day and all the boys are putting 100 per cent in, it’s unreal.

“To get drafted is my number one goal, it’s been my goal since I was 15 or 16, but hopefully in VFL I get a good year under my belt and then you never know.

“Hopefully I get looked at and it’s a chance, but if not I’ll still try to put my best foot forward.”