Reigning Tasmanian champions, the Launceston Gorillas, promise to be an even bigger threat in this season’s title defence, further bolstering their defensive stocks in the offseason.
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Gorillas defensive coordinator Jason Swenson said the club’s roster has been hungry in the preseason during the past seven weeks.
“I have four new recruits on my defence, which will make us stronger,” he said.
“We have a new game plan for the defence that will make us a bit more aggressive.”
The club has added two new linebackers, a defensive lineman and a cornerback to its current 28-man squad.
Launceston statistically were the standout offensive team in the 2015/16 season.
The Gorillas are coming off its inaugural championship win in last year’s Tiger Bowl over the Hobart Knights.
“There are also a lot of returning players – we’ve got 20-odd returning players this season, which will make us pretty strong and the team to beat still,” Swenson said.
“In offence, most of our players are returning and we also proved to be the top offensive team, so that’s only good everyone’s returning.”
Swenson said the club’s depth is its best ever, supported by the fact every Gorilla being Tasmanian born and bred, including Launceston rugby players seeking a new offseason challenge
“It’s nice to have a couple of other different recruits from other sports and they give us a different level of competitiveness. They also bring a new drive,” he said.
The club’s season kicks off on November 12 in Hobart.
Andrew Mathieson
The day I realised I wasn't good enough to play for St Kilda or be the No.1 spinner for Australia was when I realised journalism was the closest I could come to follow my passion for sport. And it's not just about the scores for me. It's the back story behind the game.
The day I realised I wasn't good enough to play for St Kilda or be the No.1 spinner for Australia was when I realised journalism was the closest I could come to follow my passion for sport. And it's not just about the scores for me. It's the back story behind the game.
