AFTER a significant life change, it has taken Sam Rundle some time to work into the State League season.
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The Launceston co-captain moved to Hobart in December for employment opportunities as an exercise physiologist after graduating from the University of Tasmania last year.
“I started off the season quiet slow, as I probably didn’t have an optimal pre-season but I’m slowly working into the season now and I suppose it’s an important time of the year to be playing good footy,” Rundle said.
I certainly want to be involved in that (the future), I’d love to win a premiership with Launceston.
- Blues co-captain Sam Rundle
“It’s been interesting in terms of being able to train or playing on Saturdays, being in a different city and end of the state.
“It has worked well so far. I pretty much just do my own thing after travelling a little bit earlier in the season, but due to work commitments I haven’t been able to.
“It’s different but I’m lucky I’ve got a few friends down here that play football who I’m able to train with every now and then.
“I don’t get to touch the footy as much as I’d like but the club and the boys are pretty understanding.”
The 25-year-old has been named consistently in Launceston’s best players in the past month, winning the hard ball and occasionally drifting forward for a few majors.
“Sam (Lonergan) and I began by rotating between forward and midfield but now my fitness is up to scratch I’m playing mostly midfield and that’s where I prefer to play,” he said.
Originally from Devonport, Rundle spent the first two seasons of the revamped State League with the Magpies before crossing to the Blues in 2011 and he is quickly closing in on 100 matches for the club.
He was the Blues’ junior development officer last year and has been joint leader for the past two seasons, first with veteran Launceston forward Sonny whiting, and now with Chris Savage.
“When I arrived, the footy club won the flag and we have had a few lean years but things are now starting to look really positive,” Rundle said.
“I certainly want to be involved in that, I’d love to win a premiership with Launceston. Sam (Lonergan) is more focused on the process rather than the outcomes. The outcomes will look after themselves.
“It is easy to rush these things and you just end up treading water in the middle of the pack for years but we went about a good rebuild and got the right people to the club and it will pay dividends in the next year or two.” Fifth-placed Launceston play Tigers at Windsor Park on Saturday, from 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.
