Phil Edwards Cup 2018: Launceston, North Launceston play for inaugural trophy

Players from all five divisions gathered at UTAS Stadium this week ahead of the inaugural cup clash, which honours The Examiner’s esteemed sports reporter and doubles as both sides’ season opener.

Blue Jay Blackberry and Bomber Brad Cox-Goodyer, who will likely face off at the opening centre bounce at Friday’s main event, said both clubs were keen to be the first name on the cup.

“It’ll be well supported,” Blackberry said.

“He was a good guy around football and sport in Launceston in general, so to do something for him is a pretty important thing for both clubs and for The Examiner as well.

“It keeps his name alive and it’s going to be one of the main things we want to win each year.”

Cox-Goodyer, who will fill new coach Taylor Whitford’s shoes as captain this season, said he was excited by the chance to honour Edwards’ legacy.

“We would be pretty honoured to win that,” he said.

“Phil did a lot for local football so if we could honour him by taking the cup home, it’d be a great thing for the footy club.”

Blackberry’s Launceston side has been touted as the team most likely to challenge the reigning premiers this season, having lured a host of big-name recruits to Windsor Park in the off-season.

Cox-Goodyer said his side would be out to start the new season how it finished last year’s – recording a win under lights.

“It’s always exciting to get round one under way.

“Launceston have obviously picked up some quality recruits - they’re a bit of an unknown how they’re going to gel together as a team but it’ll be good to get out there no question.”

Goal umpires could be busy with the main objective of the inaugural Phil Edwards Cup to make them work overtime.

The cup will be awarded to the club that kicks the most goals.

The two teams will clash from 10.30am on Saturday.

The under-17 girls will start the season opening football feast, which will be followed by the under-16 boys at 11.50am.

The Northern Bombers and Blues will then showcase their emerging talent on the verge of higher honours when the under-18 boys clash at 1.40pm.

The prelude to the 6.30pm main event will be the development league encounter at 3.30pm.

The seniors match has been billed as the State League’s match of the round with both teams predicted to be in contention for this year’s premiership come September.