NAB League cancellation pushes Baynen Lowe towards TSL

Devonport's 17-year-old Tasmania Devils squad member took the opportunity of the shortened season to test himself at the next level with North Launceston and has impressed in his first three games.

This was highlighted by being named among the Bombers' best players in Saturday's win over Glenorchy.

Lowe said the move only became logical when the COVID-19 shutdown happened.

"With the difficulties with the Devils programs and other leagues, it made sense to give myself the ability to develop my game in the best situation," he said.

"It came about because I got advice from Beau Sharman to take the chance to play and train at the highest level without an option to play in the NAB League because of COVID-19.

"Dad and I also spoke about it and decided to take the option to go into a professional environment around some of the best players in the state."

Lowe said he had been given every opportunity to succeed under the tutelage of coach Taylor Whitford and the experienced players at the Bombers.

"I have been given a lot of freedom by Taylor Whitford to make the most of my skills and that has allowed me to do what I do best," he said.

"I started the first two games in the forward line to get a feel for it and then he trusted me to play more midfield minutes this weekend and I think I played pretty well.

"I worked a lot with Sherrin Egger to start with as we played similar roles in the first two games and he was able to give me some guidance.

"In the midfield I leaned on Brad Cox-Goodyer and Josh Ponting which made my life easier by allowing me to get out in space, attack the ball and gave me great protection under pressure.

"The physicality and speed of the game is faster than what I was used to, but I have gotten used to it and it actually something I have enjoyed playing."

The midfielder and small forward was expected to have a big impact for the Devils this season after getting a taste and impressing at the under-16 national championships.

Lowe said he had mixed feelings about the NAB League boys' season not going ahead.

"We got some information about whether the NAB League was going to be played and whether we would have been in it, but we understand the decision," he said.

"It was going to be a big year for me, I was hoping for a full year there and a lot more time through the midfield."

Lowe is still on Devonport's NWFL list for the 2020 season.