North Launceston could have up to six TSL grand final debutants

Will Loone, 18, Arion Richter-Salter, 18, Jock White, 18, Tarryn Thomas,16, Connor Pearton, 18, and Stephen Heppel were all in contention to line up in the season decider against Glenorchy and were waiting on the coaches call.

Heppel and Thomas have been regulars in the senior side this season and seem assured of their position in defence and the midfield respectively but for the other four it was a matter of waiting to hear whether they had been successful in making the team for the biggest game of the year.

White captained the Scotch Oakburn College team in the SATIS firsts football grand final against St Patricks College this year and said he would welcome the opportunity to play if it presented itself.

“I’m really looking forward to the chance to play in what should be a tough game,” he said. “I played a few senior game last year but have had more this season.

“I’ll have to see how I handle the senior grand final nerves this week when I come to it but I have learnt a lot this year and being coached by Zane has been really good and hopefully I can run out there on Saturday.”

Loone is the younger brother of Tom who kicked the goal in the second semi-final against Glenorchy that gave North the lead in the dying minutes.

“It would be pretty exciting and special if I got a spot with an older brother in the team,” Loone said.  If all goes to plan and we are both playing it would be a pretty special day and one to remember.

“It will be pretty tough because there are probably seven other guys in line for the same role but if I got the opportunity I would make the most of it.” 

Richter-Salter was hoping he would be lucky enough to grab a spot in the side in his first full year of senior footy. 

“If the opportunity came up it would be great – I think I could handle the big occasion and it would be something I would look forward to and take it in my stride.”