The drive behind Bomber stalwart’s 200 game journey

Jack Avent is that quiet, hard-nosed team player every club has. And after five senior premierships on his way to his 200th game for North Launceston on Good Friday, the finish line isn’t yet in sight.

Jack Avent will become the 16th member of North Launceston's '200 club' on Good Friday. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

As a one-eyed Magpies fan, Jack Avent admits North Launceston’s black jersey and red sash took some adjusting to.

But after 199 senior games, five premierships and a thousand fond memories, the midfielder hard nut couldn’t imagine wearing anything else.

The 29-year-old will become just the 16th player to appear in 200 senior games for the Bombers in the traditional TSL local derby against defending premiers Launceston at UTAS Stadium on Good Friday evening.

It’s been a great journey for Avent who has helped forge a winning culture in the club since first making the move to the Bombers from Lilydale in under-18s in 2010.

“I haven’t played for another senior team which is something I”m quite proud of,” he said.

“I’m a diehard Collingwood supporter and wearing the black and red wasn’t quite natural at first, but it’s fair to say it’s grown on me a bit.”

Always a glass half full-type person, Avent can see one positive out of the club just missing finals on percentage last year, after making the grand final for every year since 2014 beforehand.

“I had a pretty fair idea (the 200th was coming) towards the end of last year and knew if we made finals, I’d play it then,” he said.

North Launceston's Jack Avent about to be tackled by Lauderdale's Haydn Smith. Picture: PATRICK GEE

“I guess it’s a bit of a blessing in disguise we get to play Launnie on Good Friday for my 200th, instead of playing it away in a final last year. That’s one positive out of it.”

“I first started playing seniors we weren’t super competitive and the work Thane Brady and Zane Littlejohn did among others was great.

“The way we were able to build a successful culture that still exists today, that’s been a big highlight for me.”

Bombers coach Brad Cox-Goodyer is the same age as Avent, and played alongside him in eight senior grand finals.

He admits the pair could be high maintenance in their youth but are now relishing being the leaders and driving the club’ culture.

“He used to be a bit of a wild child back in the day. Jack and I are the same age, I think we’ve both grown up,” Cox-Goodyer said.

“We were a bit loose and now we’re a bit older and more mature off the field. Now we’re the probably the fittest we’ve ever been, he’s got time for everybody and he’s a bloke that leads by actions not words.

“It’s his selfless attitude. Everyone jokes about his lack of ability but that’s not true. His work ethic stands out and that’s probably what overshadows it.

“He won an under-18s state flag in 2010 and the Colts (now Development League) in 2012 and went on to five senior premierships, it’s a remarkable achievement.

“Whatever job Jack has, he does it. Whether it’s playing back or forward pocket, tagging or on ball or wing, he does it to a very high standard. If you had 22 Jack Avent’s in your team you’d go OK.

“It’s been a great journey, Jack and I have been there the whole time together. He had a slower burn to get into the senior group then I did, but it shows what consistent hard work can do for you.

“We’ve played in eight grand finals together, you hold a special bond when that happens.”

Not one to covet individual honours, Avent won his first best and fairest as joint winner of the Jack Hill Medal alongside Alex Lee last year.

Football. Tasmanian State League. William Campbell Tigers and Jack Avent North Launceston. Tigers V North Launceston. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

It showed there’s plenty of petrol left in the tank yet and it’s hard work, on the field and off, that is behind his longevity.

He swims at least twice a week with partner Morgen Hawkins, a former national championships-level sprinter, as part of his regular routine.

“I do quite a bit of swimming with my partner Morgen Hawkins, I get a few swims in outside of training and just try and eat well and listen to my body,” he said.

“The last few years I’ve always tried to get into the pool on a Sunday, kick the legs out and get refreshed for the following week.

“If you ask anyone at the club I’m more a leader by example than my voice. I’m not really one to get up and speak in front of the group.

Jack Avent will become the 16th member of North Launceston's '200 club' on Good Friday. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

“Hopefully if they (young players) can follow my lead and take something out of my game, that’s a positive for me.

“I’ve always based my game on hard work and hopefully that’s what I’ll be remembered for.

“My body feels great. The last couple of years has probably been the fittest I’ve been. I’m almost 30 this year (in July), but still feeling good.”

Avent is super confident not only can the Bombers return to finals immediately this year, but make some noise in them.

They have stuck solid with the youngsters coming through and been quiet on the recruitment front.

Avent is hoping the likes of himself and coach Brad Cox-Goodyer can pass the baton on to the emerging players this year.

“A lot of those guys haven’t had that premiership success, so you can see how hungry they are and it breathes new life into the footy club seeing them work so hard to try and get there,” he said.

“It’s good for someone like myself who has been around the footy club for a while.

“A lot of the guys have been working hard over pre season, hopefully they kick myself and Brad out of the midfield and start to take over.

North Launceston's TSL team members (L-R) Jack Avent , Brad Cox-Goodyer and Taylor Whitford in 2018. Picture: Chris Kidd

“We’re definitely ready for finals, and hopefully go deep. We only missed out by percentage last year and it came down to the last game.

“If the pre season is anything to go by we’re going to have a good year.”

Only one man has played 300 games for North Launceston - club legend Neil Maynard, who died late last year.

Cox-Goodyer has no doubt Avent can join him in that club.

“It’s all about the mind, I think his body will be fine,” Cox-Goodyer said.

“If he has the passion and want to keep going I think his body will be fine. He’s the fittest he’s ever been, he does plenty of work outside the club with swimming and gym work. It’s all about the mind.

“Hopefully he gets a win. I know we lost our 200th game with the last kick of the game (against Clarence in 2021).

“He’s a bloke that won’t want the spotlight, but we’ll force it on him because he deserves it.”

Friday’s local derby gets underway at 7pm.