Wiggins relishing defence role

KICKING goals is more fun than stopping them, but utility Ryan Wiggins (pictured right) has no problems being one of Lauderdale’s flexible weapons as the side chases a maiden TSL premiership.

Wiggins, who is equally as dangerous at either end of the ground, qualifies for life membership at the Bombers today when he lines up for his 150th senior match against North Launceston.

Having initially planned to take 2019 off to give his body a rest, Wiggins was coaxed back to the club and is glad he had his arm twisted.

“It is something a bit special having been at the club for such a long time now and being only 16 when I played my first game, which was Windy’s [coach Darren Winter’s] first year at the club,” Wiggins said.

“Its been a long road with him and we’ve shared the journey together.

“I knew I was getting close at some point but I was going to have the year off … but I wanted to become a life member of the footy club.

“Definitely a good decision to come back and play.

“We are sitting pretty good at the moment, we have a couple of tough games to go in North Launceston and Glenorchy and hopefully we can get a couple of wins and put ourselves in a good position leading into finals.”

Wiggins began his career as an out and out forward and has proven a headache for opposition defenders at times, most notably kicking seven goals in a qualifying final against Clarence two years ago. But he has spent almost the entirety of this season in defence, and could be set for a more important role with Josh McGuinness sidelined with a hamstring strain.

“It is always nice to kick a few goals, but I’ve been down back mainly all year which I don’t mind,” he said.

“It doesn’t really faze me, I’m happy to go forward or back, it is good to have that flexibility.”