TSL: ‘Tough conversations’ as Bombers quartet returns for grand final
The return of a star North Launceston quartet has ensured some ‘tough conversations’ as the coaches decided who would be the unlucky players to miss out on Saturday’s grand final. Get the team here.
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The return of four established stars has forced North Launceston coach Adrian Smith to hold some “tough conversations” with a quartet desperately unlucky to be dropped for Saturday’s TSL grand final against Lauderdale.
Oliver Depaoli-Kubank, Dominic Pitt, Max Roney and Khalen Matthews will make way for Brandon Leary, Blade Sulzberger, Oscar Van Dam and Lockie Mitchell for the decider at UTAS Stadium.
The depth of the Bombers’ squad, and how crucial it has been in their unbeaten campaign, was evident when they comfortably won the qualifying final over Clarence without some of their most damaging players.
Leary (suspension), Van Dam (suspension) and Sulzberger (medial) were all named in the TSL team of the year, while Mitchell is an important cog in their defence.
“There were tough conversations with a number of players last night (Wednesday). We spoke a lot about having to wrap our arms around each other, and we’ve all been in this journey together,” Smith said.
“It was disappointing for those players that weren’t named to play.
“It’s the ‘we’ type mentality. In terms of preparation for a grand final our training standards have been exceptional and gone to another level or two, and everyone has contributed to that point.
“Players have contributed at various points of the year. I think we’ve picked the best balanced team that gives us the flexibility and versatility that we look for in our game.”
Smith said the decisions were largely based around specific roles, with Leary a straight swap for Kubank as a small forward, Pitt makes way for starting midfielders Van Dam and Sulzberger and Mitchell replaces Roney in defence.
“A lot of it is role dependant, we’re dropping some incredibly talented young players for different reasons,” Smith said.
“They didn’t quite fit what we needed for our versatility. If we’ve got four stars coming back who are critical for our team and make our team better, than unfortunately four people have to miss out.”
Smith said Sulzberger is fully fit after missing the qualifying final, and he hasn’t played since the last regular season game on August 31.
“The quality of the players we’re leaving out, our squad of 30 or so has made our training standards better, and it’s pushing everyone to be better,” Smith said.
“The quality of our sessions, working on contested play and how we move the ball, that’s because of all the players who are there.
“We’ve gone through some turmoil at the start of the month and been able to come out the other side with a fully healthy list.”
In an interview with News Corp after his suspension, Leary said the quality of the squad from top to bottom was vital, but sympathised with those who would inevitably miss out.
“It’s been good to have some different guys in the team and have to fight for your spot a bit,” Leary said.
“It makes everyone even hungrier, I suppose.
“It’s tricky because they (players not selected for grand final) have very right to be upset, but it’s a we, not me.
“It’s very easy for someone who’s going to play to say that, but you get around them as much as you can and let them know they’ve been a very important piece of a very good team.
“Most other teams they might walk straight into. Even just to be a part of it and playing 15 senior games, they’ve played their role.
“Lower end teams probably don’t have the players fighting for spots and you get complacement, it definitely helps with your standards.”
North Launceston grand final squad: Brad Cox-Goodyer, Sam Simpson, Michael Stingel, Harry Bayles, Fletcher Bennett, Connor Young, Bailey Mitchell, Theo Ives, Will Manshanden, Jack Aherne, Jack Avent, David Summers, Mitchell Nicholas, Declen Chugg, Blade Sulzberger, Beau Nash, Harvey Griffiths, Alex Lee, Harry Elmer, Oscar Van Dam, Brandon Leary, Lockie Mitchell
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