BACK IN THE GAME
TAS AFL TEAM ON AGENDA
A STAND-ALONE Tasmanian team in the AFL is again on the agenda after a high-powered meeting this week.
AFL boss Gillon McLachlan, right, raised the topic when he asked a meeting of club chief executives for their views on a Tassie side.
It was supported by Richmond chief executive and Tasmanian Brendon Gale, who believed a Tasmanian team would be viable with AFL support.
Another executive argued that with State Government backing and the AFL’s support, Tasmania might need to find as little as $10-$12 million of extra investment to make it financially viable. However, Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett believes the AFL boss is playing politics over the issue and toying with the emotions of the Tasmanian public. He called on Mr McLachlan to stop posturing and to “put up or shut up” over a Tasmanian team.
FRASER Turner and his family were roaring with excitement when the 17year-old was picked by the Tigers in yesterday’s AFL draft.
The Tasmanian had to wait until the fourth round of the draft before he was picked up by Richmond at pick 58.
The Clarence running machine watched the draft at home with his family and admits the anticipation was making him nervous.
“I’d been waiting around all day and it dragged on for a bit,” Turner said.
“We gathered around the TV and luckily I had my name called out.
“I felt relieved mainly because it went for a few hours and I was just waiting.
“There was screaming and a few tears from mum and dad, and then the rest of the family and some friends came around.”
The Guilford Young student has just finished his year 12 exams but he is set to fly out tomorrow to join Richmond for training on Monday.
“I think it’s going to be great to learn off the players you see on TV and getting to be around those bigger names,” Turner said.
“Especially the midfield group, it will be good learning off the coaches and the players on where I can improve.
“I’ve always wanted to be picked for the AFL and to get to be able to go over to Melbourne and live that dream is awesome.”
Turner joins fellow Tasmanian underage teammates Tarryn Thomas and Chayce Jones on an AFL list, with the pair being picked up by North Melbourne and Adelaide, respectively, during the first round of the AFL draft.
“I was pretty happy when they got picked and I sent them through a good luck message,” Turner said.
Turner’s new teammates have been in contact and he has already spoken to his new coach.
“I’ve had five of the players message me already and Damian Hardwick called me,” Turner said.
Other Tasmanian draft hopefuls Nic Baker, Matthew McGuinness, Rhyan Mansell and Jay Lockhart all failed to get picked up in yesterday’s draft.