Former Tassie Devil and South Launceston Football Club captain Matthew Westfield was killed when his green Honda sedan collided head-on with a B-double container rig on the Midland Highway, near Jericho.

He was the sixth Tasmanian killed on the State's roads in just 10 days.

Tasmania Police Snr-Const. Peter Houston said the crash occurred at 7.20pm after Westfield's vehicle, travelling north, crossed to the wrong side of the road directly into the path of the oncoming truck.

The Honda was destroyed as a result of the impact.

The truck driver, a 42-year- old Waverley man, was not injured.

"Police would like to hear from any member of the public who may have seen either vehicle prior to the incident, or who may have witnessed the crash," Snr- Const. Houston said yesterday. Witnesses are asked to contact Tasmania Police on 62302332.

The Tasmanian football community was in shock yesterday after learning of Westfield's death.

South Launceston club president Baden Hayward described Westfield as a club icon, whose natural ability and leadership was unsurpassed.

"Matthew had a very rare talent," Hayward said.

"He was identified as a champion very early in his career, and was a natural leader both on and off the field. He will be sadly missed."

Hayward said a minute's silence would be observed at the club's annual meeting last night.

Former Tassie Devils caretaker coach Lance Spaulding also paid tribute to Westfield last night, telling The Examiner he was "a wonderful role model" and a champion athlete.

"We're in absolute shock. From everyone in our organisation, our hearts go out to Matthew's family and if there's anything we can do, we're here for them."