"The mind was willing but the body has come to a point where it's time for Timmy to hang up the boots."
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That's how Launceston Football Club coach Mitch Thorp described teammate Tim Bristow's decision to retire after adding only three games to his award-winning tally in 2020.
The 2011 Tassie Medallist played 157 senior games in the blue and white, winning two premierships and qualifying for life membership during his split stints at Launceston - which Thorp said he is incredibly proud of.
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"Tim and I have formed a very strong friendship and relationship with footy and just this year gone, he couldn't get his body right - he had three hamstring tears and two quad tears," he said.
"I was very fortunate to play against him in his prime [in] 2011,12,13, he was one of the best midfielders in the state."
Originally intending to play on in 2021, the 33-year-old announced his retirement to the playing group on Saturday morning with Thorp describing his teammate's life as "really positive".
He'll go down as one of the greats of Launceston footy club.
- Launceston coach Mitch Thorp on Tim Bristow.
The Scotch Oakburn College teacher, who also spent five seasons at WAFL side East Fremantle, is releasing his third children's book - Nowhere Else - which explores themes specific through Tasmania through the eyes of recurring character Billy.
"He's super humble but he's super passionate and that was the number one asset that I got from Timmy, his passion for Launceston footy club and his passion to go from a side that was competitive to ultimately winning the grand final last season," Thorp said.
"He's has been a part of our coaching group since day one and he also plays a great role as a mentor to young of our younger guys coming through."
Josh Partridge
As a sports-mad fan who loves to remain challenged, sports journalism always seemed the path for me and it's allowed me to do things I never thought possible. A keen racquet sports player, I'm experienced in that field, allowing me to do my job at a strong standard.
As a sports-mad fan who loves to remain challenged, sports journalism always seemed the path for me and it's allowed me to do things I never thought possible. A keen racquet sports player, I'm experienced in that field, allowing me to do my job at a strong standard.
