Launceston Football Club has long been in the heart of Tim Bristow.
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The 2011 Tassie Medalist joined the Blues as an 18-year-old and was part of their successful reign from 2006-11 where they yielded four premierships.
And after five seasons with WAFL Club East Fremantle, Bristow, 30, is excited about returning to Windsor Park next season as a playing assistant under new Blues boss Mitch Thorp.
The pair will be joined in the coaching group by ex-skipper Chris Savage, life member Darrin Geard, injured star Jay Blackberry, Daniel Trevena and Cam Downie.
“If you look at the results East Freo hasn’t exactly been a great club to be at the past few years but all the learning experiences and different cultures you go through are definitely good learning points,” the Victorian-born Bristow said.
“I’ve always aspired to return to Windsor Park.
“I was part of the club’s most successful era since the 1930s and it really grew me as a person and footballer; and we were lucky enough to culminate that in 2011 where we went undefeated and played in the national Foxtel cup, which was broadcast nationally.”
Bristow, who has school and under-18s girls coaching experience in Western Australia, is hopeful the modern-day Blues can create their own history at senior level following under-18 and development league success last season.
Departed coach Sam Lonergan helped lift the club from the doldrums – leading the Blues’ senior group to a preliminary final in 2017 and a semi-final loss last year.
“Hopefully we can embark on something special where we can see a few boys heading into playing for the Devils, if not higher,” he said.
“We’ve lost a few players from last year’s group and turnover is normal at footy clubs, but holding on to young talent, fostering what they have to bring and not underestimating their power is important.
“I think Sam has set the club up really well with a young playing list and education, and now it’s about putting that in action and sticking close together as a unit.
“From what Mitch said, having conversations with Sam a few weeks ago, it’s really important that we get some experienced heads into the club to help nurture professionalism.”
Bristow, who is an accomplished author and school teacher, said he is working on his third children’s book to be released in late 2019.
Hopefully we can embark on something special
- Tim Bristow
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