In recent seasons, the Prospect club has built its senior side around undeniable talents like American goal-machine Tyler Fischer, Canadian goalkeeper Niko Giantsopoulos and English playmakers Shane Cartwright, Rob Gerrard and last season's captain and top-scorer Sam Ridgard.

However, the impact of COVID-19 and a change of approach have seen City blood a succession of teenagers including James Hawes, Stef Tantari, Mason Gardner, Jacob Horton and Will Fleming and Linger has personal experience of the impact they are having.

"There was a moment in the cup game against Olympia when I was absolutely stuffed and James just said to me 'Come on mate, we can get through this'," he said.

"We've got five 17-18-year-olds who have really stepped up this season. They even hold players like Shane Egan accountable."

Although only 21 himself, Linger already has five seasons and nearly 100 statewide appearances to his name so is well placed to observe the transition and believes the club's geographical and structural positions bode well for the future.

"In previous years we've been very reliant on imports and have always tried to build the team around two or three of them, so it can be hard when they leave.

"By not having imports this year has helped us on the field and also they are not taking spots off good young players like Stef and James.

"Also sometimes coaches might feel they have to play them, even if they are not playing that well, because the club has brought them in.

"I think it's good for the future of the club.

"We've had a good academy system being built up and if we can keep hold of players it's probably only going to get better."

Born in Launceston and schooled at Sacred Heart Primary and St Patrick's College, the Australian futsal international is both a product and operator of the club's junior development system.

"I've been at the club since under-six and never thought about leaving.

"There was a period a couple of years ago where for some reason we really missed players in the 23 to 28 age group but now, with the academy we have, we're not missing that and can see the results.

"There are a few sub-divisions going on in Blackstone and Prospect and we're a club that's easy to get to, just off the highway, so if we can build the facilities, we can service more people."

Linger, who works as a sales consultant with Telstra and behind the bar at the Sports Garden Hotel, came through the City ranks with several of his current teammates including Will Rodman and Lachie Clark.

He said the playing group was shocked with the resignation of coach Roger Hardwicke just before the season started but have bonded under the leadership of life member Lino Sciulli.

"We've just started to gel together. We're all enjoying training and playing with each other.

"It was a real shock to us to have Roger leave, none of us knew it was going to happen, but it's been really good to have Lino there. He's a really good guy."

City sit seventh on the NPL Tasmania ladder with one win from five games.

With league and cup confrontations against Glenorchy on the horizon, Linger's position in the side isn't exactly as black and white as the club's traditional colours. His adaptability allows for a variety of roles and even saw him snatch the dramatic late winner against Northern neighbour Riverside.

"I'm quite versatile so whatever the coach needs, I'm happy to do," he explained.

"This season I've started in the backline then when Matty Oh was away I said I was happy to play centre-back because I played there a lot in juniors and then I've been in the midfield.

"Against Riverside I started as a defensive midfielder but was cramping up a bit so said I would stick up top and it worked out all right."