Handful of places for northern Bombers

NORTH Launceston’s status as the premier outfit of 2017 has been confirmed with the club having the most players selected in the TSL team of the year.

The Bombers — who dismantled Lauderdale by 94 points in the second semi-final last Saturday to book a spot in the grand final — have five players in the 22.

Clarence, Glenorchy and the southern Bombers all had four players picked, with Burnie the only club not represented.

North coach Tom Couch, who was named on a half-forward flank, was appointed coach of the year, while state skipper and Glenorchy star Brayden Webb was named captain.

Former Carlton-listed player Mitch Carter, who joined Tigers this year, capped a brilliant debut State League season by earning a place at half-back.

“It was an enjoyable one, it provided some new challenges for me,” Carter said of his first taste of Tasmanian football.

“I came across here as one of the older guys in the side, I found myself filling a new role and taking a few guys under my wing.

“It was a nice achievement to tick that one off. It is always nice to see your name up there but at the end of the day it doesn’t get you wins, that is all we are about at the Tigers.”

TSL general manager Carl Saunder said it was a difficult process settling on the final 22, with the centre half-forward and ruck positions the most hotly debated.

Alex Lee (North Launceston) won the nod over state ruck Cameron Duffy, while club teammate Tom Bennett edged out the likes of Mitch Thorp and Zac Burt for the key forward role.

“It is never easy picking the best 22 players across the entire competition,” Saunder said. “I think it is a hallmark of the quality of the competition when, for a number of hours, the selectors stewed over a number of positions.”