TSL grand final: Wounded Bombers rally to issue ‘one last statement’

They’ve dominated the TSL all year, but a wounded North Launceston had to overcome injury adversity to deliver “one last statement” in Saturday’s grand final win.

North Launceston coach Adrian Smith celebrates the grand final win with co-captains Fletcher Bennett and Alex Lee. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“How was that for one last statement?”

North Launceston’s sheds erupted and the champagne and beer flew through the air as coach Adrian Smith congratulated his team.

The Bombers showed outstanding grit to beat Lauderdale 16.9 (105) to 12.13 (85) in Saturday’s last-ever TSL grand final at UTAS Stadium.

‘One last statement’ had been their catchcry this week, which flowed on from the siege mentality they’d adopted all year to prove the doubters wrong.

The victory against a stoic Lauderdale was probably their most admirable in a season where they became just the second club to go unbeaten.

They lost half-backs Harry Bayles (collarbone) and Mitch Nicholas (hamstring) to injuries, although the latter returned late in the match.

Jack Aherne spent the celebrations in hospital as he had his own ailments tended to.

In the end it took a superb seven goal display from small forward Brandon Leary and a six-goals-to-one third term to fend off Lauderdale’s challenge.

Jack Avent was moved from midfield to defence, Declen Chugg shifted from forward to down back, with a handful of others juggling multiple roles.

“It was gutsy. We talk about rising to every challenge and our players did that today,” Smith said.

“We copped a bit there early, it was a ripping contest and I was so proud of our guys’ ability to grind it out and win in a different way again.

“Harry’s disappointed he couldn’t contribute, he’s really upset. Versatility is the key, we wanted that from day dot and we needed players to play multiple positions.

“Bailey Mitchell going between the two (forward and back), Jack Avent going back, Dave Summers and Connor Young went back - the flexibility in our team is amazing and it’s a credit to our group.”

Lauderdale began hot, particularly around the ball, and North Launceston needed to find a way to respond one last time.

“I was disappointed early with how we defended stoppage, we gave up too much territory and that’s not us,’ Smith said.

“Credit to Lauderdale, that’s their contested game and I don’t think there was anything structurally we needed to do differently, we weren’t getting those moments right.

“Our third quarter was a strong one with the breeze, and we got the job done when we needed to.”

North Launceston was able to get the job done despite a quiet day from Alastair Lynch Medallist Brad Cox-Goodyer, who was well held by Lauderdale tagger Tom Ratcliffe.

“We shared the load, I don’t think we had a passenger,” Smith said.

“Some of our back six efforts today and some of our guys around the ball, I’m really proud at the moment.

“We’ve got our legacy now and what a chapter to finish off with.

“It was a ripping contest and that was a grand final for the ages.

“Credit to Bundy and the group, it’s played in good spirits and that’s how you want to finish the TSL.”