Big ‘Cass’ armed and dangerous

HE’S a former TSL senior captain and one of the most feared forwards to play in the State League.

Yet Michael Cassidy, 31, has never played in a senior grand final. It has been 17 years since his last grand final — for Glenorchy in the under-14s, which they lost.

That’s why big “Cass” can’t wait to spearhead Lindisfarne’s premiership tilt against New Norfolk in the SFL grand final at North Hobart Oval today.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Cassidy said. “I’m just trying to stay relaxed and go about it how we usually go about a game and hopefully enjoy it and see how we go. It has been a long time since my last one.

“It’s a big challenge ... and hopefully we will be the better team on the day.”

Cassidy kicked five goals the day Lindisfarne beat New Norfolk in the second semi-final at Boyer.

“It was good to get a bit of the ball that day. The delivery was good. When the midfield is on top it makes my job easier,” he said.

With less space to work with at North Hobart, Cassidy will adjust his game.

“New Norfolk’s ground is nice and big, and we trained here this week and got a feel for it,” he said.

“I hope to bring leadership, especially with the younger blokes, try not to let them get too ahead of themselves.”

After departing Lauderdale, Cassidy enjoyed his first year back in the SFL, having played for Lindisfarne nine years ago.

“There are plenty of guys in the SFL who could play TSL footy,” he said. “We’ve got seven or eight guys in our side who could definitely play TSL and so have New Norfolk.”