Squeezed out by the surplus of attacking options at Prospect, Hancox will be warmly welcome at Olympic where coach Alex Gaetani has been seeking a forward figurehead.

The furniture-maker is hoping to bring plenty to the Olympic table.

"I hope to score goals, set up goals and win games," he said.

"I can play striker, either wing, just anywhere forward really but I think Alex wants me up front, possibly alongside someone like Fletcher Fulton. There's certainly a hole to be filled and hopefully I can do that."

The former St Finn Barr's and St Patrick's College student, who turns 21 in August, has played all his soccer for City and said it was not an easy decision to switch clubs.

"I just wanted something different. I've been at the club my whole life and thought this was a good time and opportunity for me.

"I felt a bit unwanted up there. There were just a few comments at training that made me think 'why am I here?'

"I've been there since Grade 2, that's 13 or 14 years. I really enjoyed it and last year was really good for me. I had a rough start getting injured but Lino (Sciulli) showed confidence in me."

Hancox made 16 NPL Tasmania appearances last season, generally playing behind Noah Mies and Jarrod Linger, scoring three goals.

ELSEWHERE IN SPORT

He hopes to continue at the same level for Olympic and was an unused sub for the 3-3 draw at Kingborough on Saturday.

"They're really professional in what they do and going down south with them at the weekend and getting among the boys was really good."

"They've supported me really well, and I appreciate that.

"Hopefully I will be playing NPL, that's where I'd like to be. It will be a big week on the training field and hopefully I can get a spot."

Set to join an exclusive club of players to have represented two Launceston statewide teams, Hancox believes the North is beginning to find its feet against the big boys of Hobart and Devonport.

"I think we're there, almost," he said.

"I don't see City not being in the top four or five - they are really solid this year. And hopefully Riverside can be up there as well. I would not move to a club that I did not think would win games.

"I expect us to have a good crack this season and hopefully be top five.

"All the Hobart teams are solid this year and Devonport are always strong so if you can get amongst them you're doing OK."

Both teams will be chasing their first win of the season when Saturday's derby kicks off at 4.30pm at Prospect Park.