Thomas up for debut
North Launceston mentor tipping young gun to go far
North Launceston coach Adrian Smith expects Tyane Thomas to “go a long way with his footy” after the younger brother of troubled former AFL player Tarryn was named to make his senior TSL debut on Saturday.
The livewire teenager, elevated from the Bombers’ under-16 system this year, is expected to play either halfforward or half-back against Glenorchy at UTAS Stadium.
With the club’s Devils players unavailable, a spot has become available for Thomas who Smith believes can advance through the ranks.
Bombers product Tarryn was delisted by North Melbourne for several conduct breaches before this season.
“He’s a ripping kid, he’s full of life and always full of energy,” Smith said.
“He’ll go a long way with his footy, he listens and learns and want to be the best he can be.
“I remember Tyane used to come with him (Tarryn) to training. He had some real good skills as a seven or eightyear-old for sure.
“He has elite speed, covers the ground really well and for someone who’s over six foot tackles really well.
“He played last week in an under-16 game as a small forward, but could easily play on the wing or half-back. He’s tough as they come, his contest work is really good and he reads the game really well.” the start of
The Bombers are looking to continue an unbeaten start to the year, the latest of their three victories an 87-point defeat of North Hobart.
They will be without midfielder Michael Stingel after he was suspended for a week for umpire abuse after an incident late in the win over the Demons. Stingel was initially offered a three-week ban, but it was reduced to one after the club pleaded guilty and the charge was downgraded.
Smith said Stingel apologised to the umpire and the incident was out of character for their softly spoken recruit.
He added his team’s focus is on continuing to add defensive layers to their game to complement the speed and ball movement which has been dangerous thus far.
“Our focus is on our defensive intent and refining that,” Smith said. “There was times on the weekend where we were really good, but others where we were off the mark.
“Offensively at the moment we know our game’s in good stead with speed around the ball, but our main focus is on being the best defensive team and being really hard to score against.”
Saturday’s match begins at 1pm.