A change is as good as a holiday for Launceston stalwart Jake Smith.
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Still only 24, the 100-gamer has stepped up to help lead Launceston's defence this season, matching the form that saw him named best and fairest in 2015.
The club's influx of youth during the off-season has also afforded Smith the chance to flex his leadership muscle and take a "more hands-on" approach to nurturing young talent.
"It's been a year of growth both as a player and a person," Smith said.
"Culturally there's been a lot of change because it's a new coach, a new game plan, players leave and players come - it's been refreshing this year.
"We've got a good young group, plenty of youth - it's exciting."
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The demise of North-West representation in the State League has upped the travel factor for the two Northern clubs, who now have to traverse the Midland Highway virtually every second week.
Smith said a thriving club culture was the best antidote for the sacrifices that accompany playing at the top level.
"We're trying to create a culture where we're competitive, but at the same time we want it to be fun for everyone and exciting - not just a grind through the year, which footy can turn into," Smith said.
"It's a winter sport, and sometimes it can be a struggle to get down to training three times a week and go to Hobart because you've got nine games down there now.
"Half of the year is spent travelling and it is hard, but we want to make it a place where you want to go and have a good time, have a bit of release and relaxation but at the same time we all have a common goal.
"We want to be successful and I don't think that's just for this year, it's for the future as well."
The 2-3 Blues will shoot for their first home win of the season when they host Kingborough on Saturday.
Having played with Launceston since juniors, Windsor Park is home to Smith as much as anyone.
"I've spent about 10 years of my life there now and I've got lifelong friends there so it means a lot to me," he said.
"It's a place where there's been plenty of highs and lows but I've always had great support around me.
"It's a place where I know I can go and I won't be judged - you can go there whether you're happy, sad, mad or whatever but you go there to play footy with your mates.
"You spend three quarters of a year involved in a football club so it's definitely a massive part of my life."
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