TSL: Dan Withers named for North Launceston derby clash

The 25-year-old compiled an extensive NTFA trophy cabinet - including premiership, W.C. Curran, Hec Smith and Clarrie Boon medals - before arriving at UTAS Stadium last year.

He was best on ground in the development league win over North Hobart and is one of three changes to last weekend's senior side.

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"The biggest thing with him is we were going off some unknown form," North Launceston coach Taylor Whitford said.

"We were going off training form so we asked him to play development league footy and show us what you can add to our group and to his credit he went back and did all the right things.

"He's really earned his spot. He's come to TSL footy to prove himself and he's a Hec Smith Medallist in the NTFA so he's a class player, but for us we just wanted to see some different things that he can add to our midfield group and we saw enough of that on the weekend that he'll get his opportunity.

"He actually previously played with Launceston so it's a nice one that he'll get to make his debut against his former club - he's moved on a long time ago from them, but to make his debut over there at Windsor Park, it'll be one to remember for him."

Named on the bench alongside young trio Ollie Sanders, Lachy Cocker and Fletcher Bennett, Withers will spend most of his time in the midfield on Saturday.

"It's a really good challenge first up - Jobi Harper, Fletcher Seymour and Brodie Palfreyman played some good footy on the weekend so their midfield is up there with some of the better in the comp," Whitford said.

"I think we've seen in the past with Jordan Tepper last year and Jordan Cousens the year before - we're not expecting him to go out there and get best on ground.

"He just needs to go and do his job for our group and I think he showed enough on the weekend in our development league that he's going to do that and go beyond that.

"We're really excited for him to play."

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