‘The difference’: Magical Leary saves greatest act for TSL swan song

North Launceston coach Adrian Smith needed just four words to sum up Brandon Leary’s seven-goal masterclass in Saturday’s TSL grand final win - “he was the difference.”

Brandon Leary best on ground North Launceston. TSL grand final 2024 - North Launceston V Lauderdale. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Brandon Leary is known for producing magic, but his final act on the TSL stage could be his best.

The mercurial half-forward won the Baldock Medal as best on ground after booting seven goals in North Launceston’s 16.9 (105) to 12.13 (85) grand final win over Lauderdale at UTAS Stadium on Saturday.

Leary could have beaten teammate Brad Cox-Goodyer’s record grand final bag of eight goals in 2017 after missing probably his two easiest goals of the day.

It was also the timing of his goals that was pivotal. Every time Lauderdale were pressing hard Leary would find a way to kick one as North Launceston finished off an unbeaten season.

He booted a handful from long range, took a couple of high flying marks and dribbled one off the ground at the end to cap a superb performance.

Bombers coach Adrian Smith summed up his display in four words.

“He was the difference,” Smith said.

Brandon Leary takes a mark. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Leary told News Corp he felt “helpless” after he was suspended for the qualifying final win over Clarence, along with Oscar Van Dam and Lockie Mitchell.

In a way it meant he was primed for a brilliant performance.

“It’s probably my best (day in football) honestly, and to do it 20-zip with these bunch of lads, it’s unreal,” Leary said.

“I just can’t believe it really. I missed a couple of ‘sodas’ as well and hit the post, I’m pretty angry with myself there but if you kick seven you’re pretty happy.

“As I’ve said before missing that qualifying final I felt very helpless sitting up in the box, so to come back and contribute, I’m over the moon.

“Having that week off in between and we did a hard session on the Saturday, it’s just culture.”

Smith knew Leary was in for a big day after watching him stew over missing the qualifying final.

Brandon Leary with the Baldock Medal. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“I said all along he’s been a caged animal since the suspension. He felt like he let the group down, but his performance today was excellent.

“The simple way of putting it was he was a class above today, and he got it done for us when it mattered.

Cox-Goodyer was rapt Leary could find his best football on the biggest day.

: Brandon was unbelievable,” he said.

”Obviously he missed our last game and hasn’t had the best goal kicking year (accuracy). But I’ve told him all year you only have to do it on one day, and he did.

“He missed the two easiest of the day and he could have beaten my record.

“He’s played in two grannies before and probably had his colours lowered, he was a match winner today.”