Tasmanian coach Anthony Taylor is clear cut that form, not name, will determine the final make-up of the state team to tackle an NEAFL composite in June.
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Eleven players who have spent time on AFL lists – Sam Siggins, Jeromey Webberley, Ian Callinan, Mitch Thorp, Zac Webster, Josh McGuinness, Sam Lonergan, Tom Couch, Marcus Davies, Bart McCulloch and Mitch Carter – were named in the initial 46-man squad on Wednesday.
However, Taylor said that does not make them certainties for selection.
“I said originally when I was chosen for this role that we would reward players that are playing good footy and we’ll stand by that,” the former Launceston premiership coach said.
“We've picked a versatile squad, we've got some in-form talls and also buckets of mid to small onballer types that are all playing good footy – we've just got to go with boys in form.
“It is good going in with the experience of AFL players but at the same time that’s not going to guarantee them a game either.”
Taylor said selection was made from the observations of state coaches during the State League’s opening four rounds.
Twenty-seven players in the squad are from undefeated clubs Glenorchy, North Launceston and Clarence.
Launceston boasts three representatives in Lonergan, Jay Blackberry and Hamish Leedham, while the Bombers have 10 potential candidates – Couch, McCulloch, Zach Burt, Brad Cox-Goodyer, Jay Foon, Lewie Hollmer, Alex Lee, Jay Lockhart, Mark Walsh and Taylor Whitford.
Blues forward Sonny Whiting, who has kicked 15 goals in three matches to start 2017, is one notable omission along with Rulla Kelly-Mansell, who is equal fourth in the State League player of the year award.
“He (Whiting) is (unlucky) at this stage but there is no saying he won’t be added if he keeps playing good footy and kicking goals,” Taylor said.
“We will certainly be adding and subtracting to the squad in the coming weeks, if performances warrant attention.
“We need to ensure that when we pick the team they want to play for Tassie for the right reasons.”
Taylor said he was excited by the possible forward line combination of Jaye Bowden, Burt, Mitch Thorp and co, but it is important the side does not rely on too few.
There will be five training sessions leading into the June 10 encounter at Bellerive Oval and Taylor said the final team may not be known until game week.