Launceston Football Club believe they have found a genuine star forward in Alec Wright.
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And in two weeks' time - some three months later than expected - he'll have the chance to prove it.
Expected to play as a key defender last season, Wright found a home up the other end of the ground and kicked 29 goals to finish fifth in the league goalkicking award.
He went goalless in just four games despite filling in down back on several occasions and booted consecutive bags of four against Clarence and Kingborough late in the season.
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"I definitely wasn't expecting that," Wright said of his breakout year.
"I started out the year playing in the back line and then sort of progressed into the forward line a little bit.
"I played a bit of both and then found a bit of form in the forward line and found my spot really and relished it.
"I'm definitely happy playing forward now - I played more back as a junior and I played for Tassie as a full-back in the under-18s but I'm pretty happy to have made the shift."
Still only 20, the former Beaconsfield Primary and Launceston Christian School student will form part of a dangerous forward line this season as the Blues welcome back a host of former talent.
East Coast flag star Michael Musicka and two-time premiership Blue Joe Groenewegen have both returned from stints elsewhere and will play predominantly forward with Wright, Mitch Thorp and James Gillow.
Wright, who is midway through an apprenticeship with Davis Electrical, is optimistic about what the Blues can achieve in 2020.
"Everyone's really excited," Wright said.
"There's a great buzz around the group, a lot of camaraderie and we have a really tight-knit group this year and I think we can do some damage."
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