Tassie’s strong team mix

’We bring the whole package,’ says Taylor

STATE coach Anthony Taylor says it was “bloody tough” to pick his final 23 for Tasmania’s interstate clash with the NEAFL at Blundstone Arena tomorrow, but believes he has the perfect mix.

Taylor finalised his team yesterday, with North Launceston providing eight players — the most of any TSL club — followed by Lauderdale and Glenorchy five apiece, which included state captain and Magpies leader Brayden Webb.

“We believe we bring the whole package,” Taylor said.

“We certainly believe we will be good on the inside, we think we’ve got enough runners to use it on the outside and we’ve got a versatile forward line that will be pretty potent on the day.”

One of Tasmania’s strengths will be its flexibility.

“We’ve got an extremely versatile team,” Taylor said. “It has got a good mix of players who can play through all areas of the ground.

“We’ve got players who have played in numerous positions.

“So we are looking for that versatility on the weekend and the beauty of our team is that they’ve been playing some good footy for their club. They’re in form and they’re ready to go.”

Tasmania has numerous ruck options with Glenorchy tall Cam Duffy named as first ruckman, with Sam Siggins, Bart McCulloch, Mitch Thorp and Nick McKenna all able to swing through the middle.

The engine room is bristling with the State League’s best, led by Taylor Whitford, Jay Foon, Mark Walsh, Jackson O’Brien, Jaye Bowden and Zac Webster.

Taylor said his men were busting to pull on “The Map”.

“You can see how much it means to the boys and that’s what I’ve taken out of this experience over the past two months — the fact you can see how much it means to them,” Taylor said.

“Come game time, I’m sure they will bring everything they can to play well for their state.”

Each side can run a five-man bench.

“It’s something new to me but it gives us the ability to look at some things and hopefully we can use it to our advantage,” Taylor said.

Taylor wants all football fans to watch the match.

“When you see how much it means to these guys, I’d love people to get along and support them,” he said.

“Here’s your chance to see the best the state has got so go along and have a look at a great game of footy.”