Rocherlea as good as 2016 flag side: Cousens

Returning to his footballing home at Rocherlea after winning a TSL flag with North Launceston, the classy midfielder broke his leg three minutes into the first practice game of the year.

The injury would not put an end to his season, however, with the 26-year-old returning via the twos late in the season before playing in the Suburban Tigers' two finals matches.

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"The first five games ... it's a bit different playing reserves footy to senior footy so I was able to run around a bit more and not cop heavy contact on the knee," Cousens said.

"My first senior game I was feeling really good, but the second one against Hillwood ... the lack of run in the legs through the year let me down a bit.

"But I'm feeling fit and ready now though, so hopefully this year will be a bit better."

Cousens' return last season helped spark something of a revival at Rocherlea.

After missing finals in 2018 - the first time in a decade - the Suburban Tigers looked a legitimate grand final threat and have since signed Josh Ponting, Josh Holton, Zane Brown and Michael Murfet.

Cousens believes Rocherlea's 2020 list is every bit as good as the one that won the 2016 premiership - if not a bit younger.

"We've got a few more leaders in this group now especially with Punter and myself and all the other blokes - there's still a few from that year that have stepped up into really good leaders now," Cousens said.

"We're a bit younger than that side, but probably on par with skills and that sort of stuff.

"It's been really good [having Ponting back] - he's obviously the best player in the state the last two years so it's always good when that sort of player comes to your footy club to help you out.

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"We've been good mates since probably 2007 really.

"We've played footy in Brooks High School together - through junior footy even - and we've won a flag up here in 2013 and one at North, so it's pretty cool having him back in the side."

Football statewide is currently on hold until at least May 31 due to the coronavirus outbreak.