Tassie talent up to VFL
Pies coach says fielding team in 2021 won’t be a problem
HERE’S a reality check for anyone who doubts Tasmania’s credentials to field a VFL team in 2021 — Glenorchy coach Paul Kennedy says the State League is littered with talent.
As the Magpies prepared for their TSL blockbuster against Lauderdale at Lauderdale Oval today, Kennedy, a former VFL premiership player and midfield star, says Tasmania definitely has the “cattle”.
“I hear people saying we don’t have a lot of VFL-level talent in Tasmania and I disagree with that,” Kennedy said.
“You look at a guy like Rhys Mott. He was an elite junior. He wasn’t far off getting drafted and I think because he stayed in Tasmania people for- get how good he is. Had he gone on to a career in the VFL or SANFL, he would have been a very good player at those levels. There are a lot of guys around the competition like that.
“I’ve been really impressed coming down here in that regard, and Lauderdale have quite a few players in that category as well.”
The return of Zac Webster from a two-month injury layoff bolsters Glenorchy’s already potent midfield.
“Pressure around the ball is going to be huge, and he brings that,” Kennedy said.
“Both teams are very good at that pressure, and it drives the offensive game for both sides. Our pressure game is incredibly important because it unlocks the other aspects of our game.”
Lauderdale got Thor Boscott back last week, Mariners Nick Baker and Matt McGuinness back today, and skipper Bryce Walsh in a few weeks.
“We often mention their [Lauderdale’s] physicality but their ball movement is very good as well and they’ve got a lot of really dangerous players,” Kennedy said.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing how our team goes against them.”
A first-year TSL coach, Kennedy, from Victoria, has fast developed respect for Lauderdale.
“Barring some sort of horrific mishap, they are going to make the finals for the seventh year in a row,” Kennedy said.
“You look around the AFL and other state leagues, and how many teams can say that? You have to respect what they have done. They’ve built a club and a team over time and it’s really impressive what they’ve been able to do as a small club in a state competition.”