Unification is key for NTFAW representative coach Ange Dickson ahead of the side's intrastate representative series campaign in June.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In the process of narrowing the list from more than 40 to a preliminary squad of 35, Dickson is excited by the North's prospects.
"We're trying to really drive that this isn't Old Scotch and OLs and things like that, we are not all these smaller clubs coming together, we are trying to really drive that we are North - we are the Northern team," she said.
ELSEWHERE IN SPORT
"There's a lot of talent here in the North and I think this is going to be a fantastic opportunity for them to combine together and really showcase good football.
"I think people will be surprised at the standard these girls are able to play footy at."
The representative series will see the North travel to Dial Park to face the NWFL on June 14 before hitting the Bass Highway to clash with the SFL the following weekend.
With the women's State League competition coming to an end last season, this will be the highest level of football played in Tasmania this year, with AFLW recruiters to be in attendance.
"It's got a good buzz about it and I'm hoping it'll be a good opportunity for the girls to showcase what they can do to possible AFLW clubs," Dickson said.
"Two games probably isn't quite where it needs to be yet but it's a great start and the girls are looking forward to it."
- Ange Dickson
Launceston's 2020 TSLW premiership coach has put her playing career aside after tearing her ACL in a VFLW practice match for North Melbourne but the injury opened up several doors, landing a backline assistant coaching role in that side.
The role has seen Dickson learn from the likes of North Melbourne AFLW coach Darren Crocker and has inspired her to want more.
"It's been a blessing in disguise I think, it's enabled me to really focus in on the coaching and put all my effort into that," she said.
"For me, it was the first time that I've ever coached and not played and I really enjoyed it.
"I didn't think it would drive me the way that it did and it's kind of lit a bit of fire inside of me."