MAGPIE COUP: GLENORCHY SIGNS EX-LAUNCESTON GUN SAM RUNDLE

GLENORCHY has landed its first major coup of the off-season, with former Launceston co-captain Sam Rundle signing with the Magpies ahead of season 2019.

The midfielder, who was a top-20 finisher in this year’s Alistair Lynch medal, is now living in Hobart for work and sees the Magpies as the best fit for his services. “I’m very excited to be furthering my career with Glenorchy and to be a part of the club for its centenary year,” Rundle said.

“It wasn’t any easy decision for me. Leaving Launceston was certainly challenging, but it did become a little difficult travelling for games since moving to Hobart in 2016.

“I feel like Glenorchy’s a proud club and I’ve already got a couple mates there, having played a bit with [onballer] Rhys Mott and others a few years back.”

After notching more than 100 games for Launceston this year in a midfield which boasted a wealth of talent, including top-10 pick in this year’s draft Chayce Jones, Rundle said he expected to play a similar role in the centre square at his new club.

“While I’ve still got some run in the legs, I think midfield is my natural position,” he said.

“As I get older, I think I might press up forward a bit more.”

Rundle’s departure will add to a big shake-up in structure for the Blues ahead of next year after new coach Mitch Thorp took over from the SANFL-bound Sam Lonergan, and reigning best and fairest winner Dylan Riley was cleared for a move to the Meander Valley Suns.