Alastair Lynch Medallist Brad Cox-Goodyer is hoping that his TSL best-and-fairest win could open up doors to play in one of the three big-time state leagues.
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But the proud clubman has declared his loyalties always will lie at North Launceston for however long he plays the game in Tasmania.
“I think I’ve been a pretty big advocate of playing for North Launceston this year,” Cox-Goodyer said.
“Every time I spoke out, I have spoken so highly how much I like playing there.
“If those offers do come, I’ll certainly entertain it to go another level.
“I won’t be going down any levels – I’ll be trying to improve myself. But if I stay at North Launceston, I would be more than happy.”
Cox-Goodyer feels the breakout TSL season has now fuelled an ambition to mix it with AFL-listed players.
The centreman has “not as yet” fielded offers from Melbourne, Adelaide or Perth clubs, but his medal win could only enhance interest.
“The only thing I would entertain is a state league move to another state – so, obviously to the VFL, SANFL or WAFL, any one of them,” Cox-Goodyer said.
“At the moment, it’s North Launceston for me, but it’s still only early and if anything comes along, I’ll look at it if it works out to be the best for my football or personally.”
Cox-Goodyer polled 27 votes at Friday night’s count to win four clear of Clarence ruckman Sam Siggins.
Incumbent back-to-back winner, Glenorchy’s Jaye Bowden who had outpolled the Bomber 22 votes to 16 in the TSL player-of-the-year honour, finished 10 behind in the umpire’s equivalent.
“I’m now expected to play well, winning the medal. Eyes are going to be on me a lot more than previous years,” Cox-Goodyer said.
“The external pressure will definitely be there, but I feel within myself I want to take the next step.”
The 24-year-old is waiting to also come back down from his triumphant high.
Add the State League premiership and the Darrel Baldock Medal for eight goals in the 87-point grand final win and Cox-Goodyer can’t remember a better year since debuting in 2009.
“It hasn’t actually sunk in yet – it still feels all a bit raw,” he said. “It’ll take a couple of weeks or even months to realise that it’s quite a massive achievement. I’ve just been enjoying what’s been going on the last couple of weeks.
“To win the Lynch Medal in a premiership year just makes it that much sweeter.”
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.
