Roos’ tale of two cities

TYLER Roos is having to put more miles in than ever in the search for a second straight NEAFL premiership with the Southport Sharks.

Roos has spent the opening stages of the 2019 season flying in to games from interstate after making the move back to Melbourne at the end of last year to focus on his career outside football after graduating from university.

The 23-year-old, who helped deliver a flag to the Sharks in his first season with the club in 2018, trains with Old Xaverians Football Club during the week before joining his team each weekend.

Roos considered playing in the VFL but the lure of chasing more success with Southport and the strong bonds he had built at the club were too good to pass up. “The opportunity to play with my best mates in a premiership winning side and have the chance to go back-to-back while also living in Melbourne was something I couldn’t really pass up,” Roos said.

“It has it’s challenges but I really appreciate the club letting me do this.”

Roos helped guide Southport to a 16.11 (107) to 14.12 (96) win over the Northern Territory at Fankhauser Reserve on Saturday, taking them to a 5-0 record for the season so far.

Josh Hall booted five goals in the tight contest while Roos had 38 disposals, continuing his successful shift into the midfield. “I played more at halfback last year and now I’m more of an inside mid,” he said. “It’s added another string to my bow.”

Southport led at each break against the NT but could never break away and ice the game.

“They really challenged us but it was a credit to the boys we were able to fight back and get it back on our terms in the fourth quarter,” Roos said.

“Northern Territory they are a really skilful side and sweat on your turnovers.

“If you are able to give them a look they can really get a run on and hurt you.” NEAFL LADDER ROUND 6 P W 6 6 5 5 6 5 5 2 6 2 5 2 6 2 5 1 5 1

5 1 Brisbane Southport Sydney Sydney Uni Gold Coast Giants Canberra Redland Aspley NT Thunder L D % Pts 0 0 255.74 24 0 0 137.5 20 1 0 115.45 20 3 0 115.37 8 4 0 85.04 8 3 0 74.34 8 4 0 73.39 8 4 0 82.53 4 4 0 82.48 4 4 0 63.96 4