STAR ROOKIE GOES BACK TO TAKE CAREER FORWARD

A SHIFT from a wing to halfback in his debut TSL season was the catalyst for an emerging North Launceston youngster to take the competition by storm.

Michael Stingel was on Wednesday crowned the Matthew Richardson Medallist as the competition’s rookie of the year.

The 18-year-old, who represents the changing of the guard at the Bombers, averaged 17.6 disposals, 3.5 marks and four tackles per game in 2021, quickly finding his feet at senior level. Among his highlights were a 29-disposal, seven-mark effort against Clarence in round 10, while in round 20 he gathered 27 possessions and had 11 pressure-acts against the Tigers.

“It feels pretty good. I just tried to have a consistent season,” Stingel said. “I just came into the season trying to play my role to the best of my ability. I played a bit of wing last year, so moving into the backline this year was a bit different but eventually got used to it.”

An exodus of senior players last off-season saw the Bombers lose a wealth of experience, but a host of youngsters have been fast-tracked under first-year coach Brad CoxGoodyer. It saw the side stun minor premier Launceston in last weekend’s semi-final and book their spot in next Sunday’s decider — the club’s eighth consecutive grand final appearance.

“Having a few boys similar to my age or even a little younger definitely helped, especially with the bonding,” Stingel said of transitioning into the seniors.

“I played a few games of Development League last year trying to get a few games under my belt.”

As for getting a week’s rest before experiencing his first grand final, Stingel — who was named on a halfback flank in the TSL team of the year — said he planned to not let the occasion get to him.