TASMANIA’s top-end football talent is disadvantaged by an “unfair” lack of AFL exposure, North Launceston coach Tom Couch says.
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The Victorian-born former Melbourne midfielder, who will line up for Tasmania against the NEAFL on Saturday, said an avenue for players to experience a higher level would only benefit the state.
The Northern Bombers are joint State League leaders 10 rounds into Couch’s tenure and he said judging on what he has witnessed at Tasmania training sessions, there are several players capable of stepping up a level.
“When we did some match simulation a couple of weeks ago that was VFL standard,” Couch said.
“There is no doubt that if you put a VFL side together from the Tassie league in would be competitive – I’d expect it to play finals.
“We’ve got some really good players that can make the jump, but they just need an opportunity.”
AFL Tasmania chief executive Robert Auld confirmed last month that the governing body was in discussions with North Melbourne about the potential of spots on the Kangaroos’ VFL list being allocated to Tasmanian-based players – a move that Couch backs 100 per cent.
“Players like [Jay] Lockhart, [Taylor] Whitford and [Brayden] Webb would all play better at a higher level,” Couch said.
“They need it as they don’t have that exposure to the AFL and that is a disadvantage and I think it’s unfair. The more exposure they get, the better players they become.”
Couch pointed out that this weekend’s NEAFL opponents play against AFL players on a weekly basis and said whatever AFL Tasmania had in the works could only be positive.
He said State League clubs would, however, need to get over the prospect of losing some of their elite talent pool while they explore greater opportunities.
“Tassie footballers need that exposure whether it’s VFL or AFL players,” he said.
“I think trying to have a connection to the VFL in some way would be a great idea.
“You’ve got to get over the fact you might lose two or three of your best players.
“They’re going to play with AFL players, learn from AFL coaches and they’re going to come back and bring that knowledge back to their clubs.
“That makes their teammates better and makes the league better.”
Saturday’s representative fixture at Bellerive Oval starts at 2pm.
Corey Martin
Having started at The Examiner as a cadet in 2009, I have held various positions telling the stories of Northern Tasmanians in sport and news. I was appointed deputy editor in 2019 and became editor in September 2021.
Having started at The Examiner as a cadet in 2009, I have held various positions telling the stories of Northern Tasmanians in sport and news. I was appointed deputy editor in 2019 and became editor in September 2021.
