Mystery on Mann’s Cup role

DEVONPORT coach Rick Coghlan is remaining tightlipped on whether returning star forward Brayden Mann will play a role in today’s Lakoseljac Cup final against South Hobart at KGV.

Mann won the Mitsubishi Medal and Golden Boot as the NPL Tasmania’s best player and top scorer last season before signing for NPL Victoria side Dandenong City.

Coghlan yesterday said Mann had signed back with the Strikers and was fit to play.

“He has registered with Devonport Strikers, he’s no longer playing for Dandenong City, so we had the opportunity to re-register him back with the club, which was a no-brainer,” Coghlan said.

“I’m not giving anything away on [if he will be involved] but he is fully registered and able to play.”

The match will be a repeat of last year’s decider, which Devonport won 1-0. The winner of today’s match will earn Tasmania’s place in the FFA Cup.

Coghlan said winning would mean “absolutely everything”.

South coach Ken Morton said the lure of playing in the Australia-wide FFA Cup would be a strong motivating factor for both sides.

“That’s the stage that we all want to be on, that national stage, and it’s great for the game in Tasmania, whoever it’s been,” he said.

Morton said South would welcome attacker Darcy Hall back to the squad.

The Lakoseljac Cup final kicks off at 3.30pm.

Beachside and Olympia Warriors meet in the under-20 Statewide Cup final from 10.30am. And Hobart Zebras take on the Kingborough Lions in the women’s Statewide Cup final from 1pm.