Injuries, including a shoulder reconstruction for All-Australian Tom Hislop, impacted on the next phase of preparation. Apart from a win against the Geelong Falcons, Tasmania did not achieve the results it was seeking.
Losing all three Challenge Cup games was a reality check for all, with the squad looking for improvement in this carnival.
As was the case last year, the players joined in some training sessions with Tasmania’s VFL team, under the guidance of coach Mathew Armstrong. This initiative with the AFL Tasmania Football Academy allowed players to be involved in intense and challenging training.
With limited appearances in the TAC Cup, our players view representing Tasmania at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships as the pinnacle of achievement, and look to the likes of Jarrod Garth (Geelong rookie), Justin Sherman (Brisbane), Andrew Lee (Essendon) and Jesse Wells (Western Bulldogs), who represented Tasmania at this level last year.
Support in Tasmania is strong with St Kilda and Hawthorn playing at Launceston’s Aurora Stadium in front of good crowds.
Thanks to the players’ parents for helping transport the boys all over the state.
Once again AFL Tasmania has had great support from our major partner, Metro Tasmania, which has allowed us to continue delivering development programs at a professional level.
We would also like to thank Wayne Hughes and Shane O’Sullivan from Carlton Football Club and Ludmilla Hackett at Melbourne University International House for the energetic support they provide during our stay in Melbourne.
Finally, congratulations to all players selected to represent their states and territories and good luck for the rest of the season.
THE GRADUATE - Jason Laycock (Essendon)
He did some things that were unbelievable. During one game, he marked five kick-ins in a row and in another game he took 10 marks in the first quarter. You knew he was going to be pretty special. - Tasmanian coach Hamish Ogilvie.
