#BUPATSL under-25 stars set to soar in rep game
This Sunday, young stars of the Bupa Tasmanian State League will represent the Tasmanian Devils in an under-25 representative game against Victoria Metro at UTAS Stadium.
Bupa TSL Digital Reporter Grant Jessup looks at some of the players to watch from both teams come Sunday afternoon.
Tasmania:
Sam Siggins (Lauderdale):
Sam Siggins has made a powerful return to the Bupa Tasmanian State League in the most unlikely of positions.
A move to the midfield is paying massive dividends for Siggins and the Southern Bombers.
The 2017 TSL Team of The Year defender is now causing plenty of headaches for opposition sides in the middle.
Siggins, the midfield prototype, is always threatening to tear a match apart in the engine room, but may also be used as a defender or forward in this game. A terrific, versatile asset at coach Jamie Hayward’s disposal.
Alex Lee (North Launceston):
The Northern Bombers premiership star continues to prove that he is one of, if not, the best ruckman in the competition.
Lee is having a tremendous season in a competition with high quality ruckmen such as Haydn Smith, Cam Duffy and Hamish Leedham.
The Bomber plays a damaging role in the ruck by providing first use of the ball to North Launceston’s midfield.
He could prove to be the difference on Sunday if Victoria Metro allows him to dominate the hitouts and make his presence felt when inside 50.
Kieran Lovell (Tigers):
The former Hawthorn-listed player has taken the TSL by storm since his return to Tasmania.
Lovell has made a strong start to the season, proving to be a major influence on several games.
He has an extraordinary ability to gather the ball, no matter the situation, with his strength and bollocking nature around stoppages making him a tough proposition for opposing sides.
Combine this with Lovell’s elite ball use and he is one of the TSL’s genuine superstars.
Aiden Grace (Glenorchy):
Aiden Grace is proving to be a dangerous acquisition for the Magpies.
The young forward has slotted himself nicely into the Glenorchy forward line alongside pocket rocket Cal Daly.
He sits equal-first on the TSL leaderboard for goalkicking with 23 goals.
The former Clarence player is also damaging overhead, clucking plenty of strong marks throughout the season, and at ground level.
Josh Ponting (North Launceston):
The 2018 Alastair Lynch Medallist continues to prove that he is one of the competition’s elite midfielders.
Ponting has been in fine form throughout the season, dominating centre clearances alongside coach Taylor Whitford and skipper Brad Cox-Goodyer.
The young gun is also providing plenty of supply to the Northern Bombers forward line.
Victoria Metro will have to keep an eye on this dangerous ball magnet.
Victoria Metro:
Connor Thar (Werribee Districts):
Thar is a young gun who was unlucky to miss out during the 2018 AFL Draft.
The 18-year-old is capable of being a match winner for any side with his elite endurance and skills.
Due to his strength, the youngster is also impressive around packs and in the air.
At 174cm and 69kg, Thar can play as a small forward or a midfielder.
Anthony Brolic (Rowville):
Brolic is a dangerous inside midfielder who is capable of causing substantial damage on the scoreboard.
He was a member of the 2016 Box Hill Development League premiership side, kicking six goals in a best on ground performance.
The youngster also has experience with Box Hill in the VFL Seniors.
Before the contest, the NAB League Devils will face the Murray Bushrangers while the Allies take on Victoria Country as part of the NAB U18 National Championships.
GAME DAY DETAILS:
Sunday 9 June – UTAS Stadium, Launceston
10:00am – Tasmania Devils v Murray Bushrangers (NAB League Round 10)
12:30pm – Allies v Victoria Country (NAB U18 National Championships)
3:00pm – Tasmania Devils v Victoria Metro (U25 Representative Match)
