2020 hasn't been the year for big bags, but no-one thought to tell Dan Withers.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Arriving at North Launceston in the off-season, the 25-year-old debuted against his old side Launceston in round two and has played the past seven games to lock down his spot for Saturday's grand final.
Last round's thumping preliminary final win over Clarence saw the ex-Hillwood star's best performance of the season as he kicked three last-term majors to finish with a bag of five.
Only Hudson Medallist Dylan Riley (eight against Tigers) has enjoyed a more prolific day out this season.
"It's a little bit different to the roles I've played in other teams," Wtihers said of his new spot at half-forward.
"I was a bit more of a midfielder [in the NTFA] but I can use my work rate up and down the ground and get back and try and sneak a couple of goals."
A premiership player with the Sharks last season, Withers has the chance to follow in the footsteps of fellow Hec Smith Medallist Jordan Tepper by winning NTFA and TSL flags in consecutive years.
"It's pretty special - I'm pretty excited," the 2019 Clarrie Boon Medallist said.
"I played [State League] when I was younger but it's been a few years ... the group's really good so I've made good new friends."
Coach Taylor Whitford praised Withers' contribution following Saturday's win.
"He finishes but his pressure's really good as well, he understands and he reads the footy so well because he's played a lot of footy as a midfielder," Whitford said.
"It was his day [Saturday] - next week it probably won't be his day, but he did a really good job."
MORE SPORT: Jodie Clifford hangs up the boots