13 TSL PLAYERS TO WATCH
THE cancellation of a number of competitions around the country has seen all State League clubs secure some high-profile recruits, and ADAM SMITH lists his 13 players to watch — a combination of new faces, rising talent and established stars.
Jaye Bowden (Glenorchy) While he is nearing the end of his playing days, he remains a dangerous force with an ability to impact the scoreboard as well as rack up possessions through the midfield.
Jackson Callow (North Launceston) The high-flying Bomber will be eager to impress in the hopes of catching the attention of any AFL recruiters with no Devils program this year.
Sam Collins (North Hobart) Collins is considered one of the strongest Tasmanian draft hopes this year. The rebounding defender can keep his name in the mix with a strong TSL campaign.
Nicholas Connors (Lauderdale) Connors booted a premiership-winning goal from 50m with just two seconds left in the Geelong Football League in 2019. With the GFL not going ahead in 2020, Lauderdale swooped on the flag hero. Brad Cox-Goodyer (North Launceston) In the past few seasons Cox-Goodyer has claimed the mantle as the TSL’s best player. The lethal left-footer can do it all.
Josh Green (Clarence) There will be few players in the competition this season who have a better goal sense than Green. Twice Brisbane’s leading goal kicker, the exciting small forward returns to the Roos after booting 132 goals in 105 AFL matches for the Lions and Essendon.
Jobi Harper (Launceston) The Blues skipper remains in the upper echelon of midfielders and finished equal runner-up in the Lynch medal count last year.
Kieran Lovell (Tigers) Returned to his junior club last year after stints with Hawthorn and in the VFL and made an immediate impact with a runner-up finish in the league best and fairest.
Josh Ponting (North Launceston) In a side brimming with top-level talent, Ponting has emerged as a bona fide star.
Fletcher Seymour (Launceston) A multisport talent, Seymour — once a Tigers cricket rookie — ditched the bat and ball to focus on football last season and reaped the rewards.
Sam Siggins (Lauderdale) Arguably the most flexible player in the league. At 194cm can easily hold down a key position post at either end of the ground and has proven his credentials as a mobile ruckman.
Patrick Walker (North Hobart) One of a dozen Devils on the Demons list, Walker will be aiming to transition solid junior numbers into senior TSL level.
Mackenzie Willis (Tigers) Boom recruit for the Tigers, benefiting from the NEAFL competition not getting under way this season. Brings more AFL experience to the club, having played five games for Gold Coast in 2015.