He has long departed York Park, but AFL great David Rhys-Jones has kept a close eye on the soaring fortunes of North Launceston.
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The 1995 State League premiership coach for the Robins was left impressed with his old club just securing a fourth flag in five years.
“They are getting their just rewards,” Rhys-Jones said.
“They’re playing local kids and have recruited well.
“They’re a very young team and that is the one thing that has impressed me that they haven’t gone out and bought old-hack footballers. They’ve stuck with a bunch of kids.”
Rhys-Jones was invited to speak at a grand final luncheon in Launceston on Friday.
The 1987 Norm Smith Medallist in Carlton’s grand final win over Hawthorn said his fondest memories in the game were his coaching stint.
North Launceston had finished runners-up in the captain-coach’s first year, crashing six spots in his second before claiming the title.
“That’s a highlight of my football career,” he said, “and that’s why you play football.”
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.
