Former Brisbane Lion Josh McGuinness says he will relish the chance to pull on the map in Tasmania's under-25 clash against Victoria Metro this weekend.
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One of 10 Southern Bombers named in the state's 30-man squad, the defender was unveiled as the side's skipper at training on Tuesday night.
"It's a great opportunity to play for the Tassie jumper," McGuinness said.
"After junior footy you don't get many opportunities to put the Tassie jumper on and it's a great opportunity to put the league forward as well.
"If we can put a good showing it just shows the State League is quite a good league - there are some really good players running around that if given the chance to play state footy or VFL footy they could put their name forward for the AFL."
McGuinness is one of three former AFL-listed players in the Tasmanian squad, joining Lauderdale teammate Sam Siggins and ex-Hawks midfielder Kieran Lovell.
The 23-year-old said he still held a soft spot for the Lions, but had virtually put aside plans to make it back to the game's top level.
"You always hold onto that hope but I've sort of moved past that now ... I've moved on a little bit and moved into a different line of work and study," he said.
"I don't have my heart set on getting drafted but then again you see some players get picked up. You do still hold some hope, but to be honest it's not really in the front of my mind."
Sunday's game starts at 3pm.
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Hamish Geale
Hamish Geale is a senior reporter at The Examiner. Got good news? Email: hgeale@examiner.com.au
Hamish Geale is a senior reporter at The Examiner. Got good news? Email: hgeale@examiner.com.au
