Virus helps Dees keep youngsters as early wins build confidence

NORTH Hobart onballer Jayden Charlton says the coronavirus has done the Dees a favour.

The COVID-19 shutdown and cancellation of the NAB Cup under-18 league for the Tasmania Devils meant North Hobart’s elite teenagers were available to play in the TSL.

North Hobart’s improvement was never more evident that its upset win over threetime TSL grand finalist Lauderdale at North Hobart Oval on Saturday.

That made it two wins in a row for the Dees after a narrow first-round loss to reigning premier North Launceston at UTas Stadium.

“The cards have fallen our way a little bit with COVID and getting the Devils boys back,” Charlton said.

“They are ‘jet’ players and their attitude has been great as well. They have come in and invested in the club, so I can’t speak highly enough of those boys. We had six of them on Saturday, and we also got Jack Sandric and Baxter Norton back as well, and they have definitely lifted the group.”

North Hobart has the bye this weekend and Charlton said it was coming at the right time to allow the young Demons to keep a lid on their early success, particularly talk of being a premiership contender.

“Maybe that’s a good reason to have a bye, to lower the expectations a little bit,” he said. “We’ve got a couple of players who are still a bit sore, so it’s a chance to re-set.”

North’s 34-point win put a pep in the step of the Dees, especially Charlton. “Right now is the most I’ve enjoyed footy at the club — winning helps.”

Meanwhile, Launceston skipper Jobi Harper took a clear lead in the TSL Player of the Year Award after leading the Blues to an 82-point win over the Tigers at the Twin Ovals on Saturday.