But that wasn't the case for South Launceston's Thomas Beaumont, who gained plenty of praise from coach Anthony Taylor after the Bulldogs' round one loss to Bracknell.

"In a really tough day, Tom showed maturity and did not look out of place at all - he was certainly a positive," Taylor said.

"He didn't look out of place at all and that's probably the thing we need to do, we've got a lot of new faces ... and we've just got to gel to find the right mix and reward blokes who are playing good footy."

ELSEWHERE IN SPORT

Having only joined training sessions weeks before the season's start due to Tasmania Devils duties, Beaumont was unsure whether he'd get a round-one gig but his doubts were put to rest during a Tuesday night drill.

"Ant mentioned to the senior group that what an age it was to be 16 and debuting for the South Launceston senior club on that weekend," Beaumont said.

"There were a lot of emotions going at the time obviously but it was really great as all my mates and all the boys got around me and I really felt part of the team."

The Launceston Grammar School student was able to feel those emotions again on gameday, with his teammates running from all over the ground to celebrate his first senior goal in the opening quarter.

"I was a bit nervous going back but just being able to celebrate with my mates, it's just what footy does I guess - it brings teammates together.

"The way they celebrated with me, it felt really good."

Also a talented cricketer, scoring a first-grade century last season, Beaumont has kicked three goals so far this year and has enjoyed the NTFA transition after junior and school football.

"It's been a little bit different with the physicality and body size [but] having played senior footy at Grammar with grade 12s, it allowed me to adapt easier," he said.

"You've got to be smarter about the way you play, you can't just go running through and do what you want, you've got to play a good brand of football and use your skills to your advantage."