Cornelius to take reins of state
Former Glenorchy premiership coach Aaron Cornelius is set to step back into a head coaching role, with the 33year-old to lead Tasmania’s state team in June and July.
Cornelius’ appointment was announced on Tuesday, with Cornelius taking the reins from Maverick Weller after he was an assistant coach to Weller in last year’s win over Queensland at North Hobart Oval.
Set to once again face Queensland in a return match on June 22, Cornelius will also have the chance to coach Tasmania on home soil when they face a side made up of players from Sydney and Canberra at UTAS Stadium on July 20.
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to coach Tasmania in this year’s representative games, particularly in such an exciting period for footy in the state,” Cornelius said.
“Wearing ‘The Map’ has always been a special honour, and I’m looking forward to giving Tasmania’s best players the chance to wear it with pride.
“Representative football will be crucial in building towards Tasmania’s entry into the AFL and VFL, and the chance to represent the state while developing and showcasing our top talent is something to relish.”
Deb Reynolds is again set to lead the women’s program after coaching the side in 2023 and a stint as Tasmania Devils coach in Coates Talent League.
It was also confirmed on Tuesday that Nick Probert would take on the role as chairman of selectors for the male program, with the Burnie Dockers legend also being a long-time contributor to talent and coaching pathways in Tasmania.
The full coaching staff for both representative sides is currently being finalised.
He may have captained Tasmania to a national title in 2023 but Craig Blaschke says making his senior debut for his beloved Lauderdale is right up there with the highlights of his career.
The much-loved figure and multi-talented sportsman made his debut in the Bombers’ 88-point win over Glenorchy in round 3, with Blaschke finishing with one goal, five tackles and six score involvements.
A longtime member of the Bombers line-up at a development league level, Blaschke’s first crack in the senior side was one he says ranks comfortably alongside the National Inclusion Carnival premiership from last year.
“It is right up there to be honest,” he said.
“Winning the grand final for your state is pretty massive but I’ve always had the goal of playing senior football and I never thought it would happen.
“So to put in the work and keep asking those questions on how to improve to the coaches I’m really thankful it has finally paid off.”
First finding out the news from coach Allen Christensen last Thursday night, Blaschke said both the reaction he received when told he was playing and his first major influence on the game are moments he will cherish forever.
“I got to do my usual thing at training on Thursday night and then ‘Bundy’ told the boys that I’d be debuting and I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face after,” he said.
“The boys were unreal, it felt like 100,000 at the MCG with the yelling and the way they got around me.
“And then when I got to that front and centre (in the game) and gave it off to Rhys Sutton in space it was a real moment for me. I’ve been working a lot on not being selfish inside 50 so for me to give that off, Rhys to kick it, and then the boys really get around me that helped my confidence.”