LAUNCESTON has pulled off one of the biggest recruitment coups of the State League season by signing former South Launceston star Michael Musicka.
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The Blues were able to beat the Western Storm to Musicka's signature on a two-year contract after he decided to move back home after 18 months in Victoria.
The 21-year-old, former Tassie Mariner was considered a strong chance in the 2012 AFL draft but missed out.
He represented Tasmania as a 19-year-old that year but left the state at the end of the season to further his draft chances in the VFL.
He was unsuccessful in making a VFL senior list, playing instead for Maribyrnong Park in the Essendon District Football League.
``We had a link to Michael through his fiance who is the daughter of one or our board members,'' Launceston coach Scott Stephens said.
``We knew they were looking to come home so we spoke to him about what the club could offer him as far as footy and employment and we were lucky enough to get him over the line.''
Stephens said the Western Storm also approached Musicka with many of his former South Launceston teammates playing for the club but he decided he was after a change and signed with the Blues.
``It is huge for the club and not only gives us a quality player on the field but a good, quality young man who is well-liked and respected.
``He will provide good onfield leadership having come through the state academy before he went to Victoria to try out with Bendigo and the Western Bulldogs in the VFL.
``He went over there to try his hand at getting drafted as a mature-age player but had a couple of setbacks last year with clearances and trying to get on to a list.
``Then he tried out with the Western Bulldogs this year and they kept a spot open on their list but didn't include him.
``He was disappointed but obviously had a good crack at it and has been playing good footy for Maribyrnong Park, which is coached by Brodie Holland.''
Musicka was runner-up in the 2012 Tassie Medal for the TSL's best and fairest player.
He will line-up in his first game for Launceston on Sunday, ironically against his former Western Storm mates.