Battle of the Bombers set for AFL stage

AFL Tasmania is pleased to confirm that the TSL’s round nine Battle of the Bombers will be played as an AFL curtain-raiser at UTAS Stadium, with North Launceston and Lauderdale to play ahead of Hawthorn’s encounter with the Brisbane Lions.

North Launceston will host Lauderdale prior to the Hawks and Lions’ round 10 AFL clash on the Saturday 21 / Sunday 22 May weekend. Times and dates will be confirmed following the AFL’s next fixture announcement.

Round 10 is the AFL’s competition’s annual Sir Doug Nicholls Round, celebrating and recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their contribution to Australian Football.

This fixture results in North Launceston and Lauderdale’s round two and nine games being swapped, with Lauderdale now hosting North Launceston in round two this weekend.

AFL Tasmania Manager – South & TSL Andy Bennett says, “This is a fantastic opportunity for players, coaches and umpires to be part of an AFL game day, and for the TSL competition to be showcased on a big stage.

“Sir Doug Nicholls Round is a highlight of the AFL season every year, and for the TSL to be involved in this round is a special privilege.

“I’d like to thank the Hawthorn Football Club for their goodwill and acknowledge the collaboration and cooperation of the North Launceston and Lauderdale football clubs.”

Hawthorn FC Head of Tasmanian Operations David Cox says, “This is a great opportunity to provide a platform for young up and coming Tasmanian athletes.

“The chance to play on a major AFL day is a special occasion, particularly as part of Sir Doug Nicholls Round. We are delighted to provide both North Launceston and Lauderdale with this opportunity.”

North Launceston President Thane Brady says, “This is a great thing for Tassie footy. We were pleased to accept Hawthorn’s kind offer for this game to take place.

“We appreciate the leadership of AFL Tasmania and the cooperation and flexibility demonstrated by both Lauderdale and the Hawks to make an opportunity a reality.”

North Launceston senior coach Brad Cox-Goodyer says, “My senior debut was an AFL curtain-raiser back in 2009 on ANZAC Day, and being part of a day like that was really special.

“This is a great chance for the young players of both teams to showcase their talent on a big stage. I know our young guys will be itching to get out there and take part in an AFL curtain-raiser. This is a great chance to showcase Tasmanian football talent.”

Lauderdale senior coach Dan Willing says, “Our players and coaches are really excited by the opportunity. Playing on an AFL gameday is great for everyone involved with our club and the competition. The atmosphere will be different… we’re a young team and will relish playing on such a big occasion.”

The AFL reserves the right to shift this TSL curtain raiser if required to do so due to weather/ground conditions.