Returning Blue Jamieson House has high hopes for what Launceston can achieve in 2020.
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A regular in Sam Lonergan's 2018 side, the 19-year-old spent last season in the SANFL on a Woodville-West Torrens list featuring ex-AFL players Jesse Lonergan, Jared Petrenko, Jordan Foote and Jarrad Redden.
His season featured nine reserves games, including a four-goal effort and another with 25 touches, but was ultimately hampered by injuries.
"I was very excited to go over and test myself at SANFL level, unfortunately things didn't go to plan midway through the year with multiple injuries but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience," House said.
"Learning off a range of players with ex-AFL backgrounds and experienced SANFL players I now know what it takes to perform at the elite level."
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The factory hand has since set his sights on helping Launceston to its first flag in nearly a decade.
Joining a host of gun returnees including Joe Groenewegen and Michael Musicka, House believes the Blues' squad is every bit as good as the one Lonergan labelled flag material in 2018.
"We definitely had our chances in 2018 but I feel we've got a strong list," he said.
"Even though we are a younger group, our togetherness and competitive edge is as good as I've seen."
A bullocking midfielder-forward, House shook off his injuries after returning last year and has since returned to full fitness.
The former Wynyard High and Hellyer College student said he was in career-best physical shape after a "tough but enjoyable" pre-season.
"I have dropped a few kilograms and worked hard on my aerobic capacity so hopefully that allows me to play multiple positions," he said.
"Coming back to Launceston was really a no-brainer for me - I've built a great connection with the group and the footy club has given me great opportunities.
"Also having known Mitch [Thorp] since I was 14 made the transition home easier.
"We had a chat prior to this year and I was really impressed by the standards and direction the footy club was going in, it was exciting to see the group make the prelim last year."
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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
