Injury, suspension or omission have seen Northern Bombers Daniel Roozendaal, Jay Foon (twice), Arion Richter-Salter, Tom Bennett and Fletcher Bennett miss grand finals in recent years and last year it was van Buuren's turn.

Returning to the TSL after a stint in the NWFL, the 24-year-old played every game in a stellar debut year at UTAS Stadium before injuring his elbow in a semi-final win at Windsor Park.

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The former Devonport and Latrobe star was named as an emergency for the grand final but could not recover in time to fill his usual post.

His contribution was later honoured with the 'best clubman' and 'most consistent' awards at the club's presentation night and van Buuren can take solace knowing that every one of the aforementioned grand final absentees have at least one TSL flag to their name.

"It was obviously very hard - it happened in the semi-final against Lauderdale - the game before - so it was hard," van Buuren said.

"When it happened I didn't really think it was that bad or that I'd miss the grand final and then when you find out you do it's obviously difficult.

"But I'm definitely not the first player that's gone through it there - you've had your Jay Foons and Richter-Salters, they obviously missed the year before.

"Foony missed one before that and Tom Bennett's first year at North he missed a grand final, so I guess having those blokes around you to talk to definitely made it easier.

"It obviously was difficult to miss but it was good to see the boys win."

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