Winning the McAuley Medal at the age of 18 last season has brought Launceston midfielder Brodie Palfreyman plenty of warranted opposition attention this season.
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The 19-year-old electrician has been tagged in a high per cent of matches but is starting to shine again following a “mid-season form slump”.
Palfreyman is now finding plenty of the ball, breaking lines and kicking goals after turning to coach Sam Lonergan, experienced forward Mitch Thorp and injured on-ball pal Jay Blackberry for advice on his challenges.
“They told me ‘work hard and you’ve got 21 other players that can help you, you’ve just got to keep at it’. I’ve had attention from at least one player in 80 per cent of the games,” he said.
“No matter where you go – forward or in the middle – someone is always following and grabbing you all day, and it’s the first time I have really had that happen.
“It started late last year and right from the word go this season.”
Launceston lost five straight games in the middle part of 2018 and sits fourth with two rounds remaining.
The former Western Storm player said he and the Blues were in a good position to launch into finals following wins over premiership contenders Lauderdale and Clarence in recent weeks.
“I’m hitting my straps now that I have learnt how to deal with it a lot better that I did earlier in the year,” he said.
“When I had my form slump, that’s when the team did as well.
“In the last four games or so we have started to gel well together and play some great footy.”
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