An array of injuries and unavailabilities gives North Launceston the chance to play two more debutants as the Bombers travel South to face Lauderdale.
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With Alex Lee and Mark Walsh missing with ankle and concussion injuries respectively and Jack Avent and Fletcher Bennett unavailable, coach Brad Cox-Goodyer has turned to the next generation of Bombers.
Teenage all-round talent Connor Leeflang, who was last week named in Tasmania's under-17 squad, and Judah Edmunds, the younger brother of Bombers brute Billy, will become North Launceston's 16th and 17th debutants of 2021.
"I'm not afraid to play guys that are playing good footy at development league level," Cox-Goodyer said.
"We put [the amount of debutants] down to obviously a couple of injuries, unavailabilities and whatnot but if you're playing good footy at DL level, I'll play you, there's no way around it.
"Hopefully that gives guys drive as well - if we play good footy, we are going to play senior football.
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"I don't know if any other club's hit that number this year, so for us to play 17 and to be where we are, it's a really strong position to be in."
Former basketballer Leeflang, who has only played football for three seasons, and fellow debutant Edmunds come in alongside Jacob Kerr, Oscar Van dam, Lockie Mitchell and Zach Burt, who returns from suspension.
Ryley Sanders and Blade Sulzberger miss with Devils duties, while Cox-Goodyer will play through a slight hamstring strain and Declen Chugg has been cleared of concussion but Lee, despite his best efforts, was ruled out of the clash.
"He's come along better than we thought he was, he's trying to push and get up for this week but obviously with an ankle injury to one of our most-important players, it's definitely not worth the risk," Cox-Goodyer said on Lee.
"He's quite durable and he doesn't like missing games, which is great, especially because he's so important to us but the season is long and we've got a long way to go, so we need him going at 100 per cent."
Last time the Bombers faced their Southern counterparts, Cox-Goodyer's men produced a 93-point victory in his absence, meaning Saturday will be the first time he dons the new yellow clash guernsey.
Making its debut in the round four contest, the yellow jumper represents the club's Robins heritage.
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.
