SOUTH Launceston forward Darren Crawford has made a big impression in the first two weeks as an NTFA footballer.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The former North Launceston State League player has kicked 21 goals for the Bulldogs in two games and is relishing a change in club and competition this season.
The 26-year-old played 101 games for the Northern Bombers before leaving the club at the end of last season, along with several of his teammates including former captain Shane Wager.
``It's been an interesting start and the bonus is that we have a lot of experienced guys who have come back to the club or joined the group,'' Crawford said.
``So the delivery I've been receiving has been high-quality, which has been handy and has had the result of me kicking the goals that I have.''
Crawford described his move to the NTFA and South Launceston as refreshing and said there were no hard feelings involved in the change of clubs.
``From a work point of view it has been a godsend, training only two nights a week, and it has been easier on my body as well,'' he said.
``I struggled last year with the demands of State League training and I've been able to manage my body better and still do the required amount, as have some of the other older guys who moved over from North.
``I made my decision at the end of last season that I wasn't going to play at that level, and having that conversation with the coach and board there were no hard feelings either way, and we saw it as a good fit for me and for North moving forward.''
Crawford has never played in a premiership side and said it remained a career goal that he was yet to tick off.
``Obviously we are off to a pretty good start to the year and things are looking up,'' he said.
``I'd like to think we are a finals contender.
``We've got some quality players like Steven Mayne and Leigh Harding to come back in, and hopefully we can do some damage in the latter part of the year.
``To play with Wage and the Vineys - there would be nothing better than to win a premiership together in our last couple of seasons, and it would be a good way to go out.''