Lynch Medal Contenders
The awarding of the Alastair Lynch Medal is always an exciting time of year. This Saturday, the TSL’s best and brightest will gather to witness the vote count during the TSL Awards Night at Crowne Plaza’s Aura Event Space. Here are just some of the contenders for the coveted award.
Launceston
Jobi Harper
Despite missing several games this year, Jobi Harper is expected to poll well in most of his games. The Launceston skipper leads from the front and is a pivotal player in the midfield for the reigning premiers. Harper averaged 26 disposals (9 contested), 8 clearances and 5 inside 50s in 2022.
Brodie Palfreyman
Runner up in the Cripps POTY voting, Palfreyman has arguably been Launceston’s most important player in 2022. Averaging 23 disposals (7 contested) and 6 tackles per game. Palfreyman is always a big chance to catch the eye of the umpires. Expect the Blues midfielder to be a key player in this year’s count.
Fletcher Seymour
The Blues midfielder that sometimes flies under the radar, Seymour’s impact is comparable to the likes of Harper and Palfreyman. His impact has gone to another level in 2022, averaging 28 disposals (11 contested), 7 clearances and 5 tackles per game. Expect Seymour to show up on occasion and take some votes off his teammates.
Jackson Thurlow
Possibly one of the best returning players in recent memory, Thurlow has made a big impact into the make-up of both the Launceston midfield and forward line. Playing a key role in their forward half connection, the former Geelong Cat is averaging 6 marks (2 contested) and 3 goals per game.
Kingborough
Kieran Lovell
Lovell returned to Tigerland in 2022 with an immediate impact. To understand Kieran Lovell’s potential for taking home the Lynch Medal in 2022, simply look at his numbers. 31 disposals (12 contested), 9 clearances, 7 inside 50s and 1 goal a game. This effort and presence make him one of the favourites to take home the Lynch Medal.
Eddie Cole
Finishing fifth in the Cripps POTY votes, Eddie Cole’s intensity and determination have once again made him one of the best pressure players in the TSL. Always around the ball, Cole is averaging 24 disposals (9 contested) 6 clearances and 8 tackles in 2022. Expect Cole to start off well and feature heavily in the count throughout the night.
Jordan Lane
Jordan Lane’s return to Kingborough has breathed new life into the Tigers forward line. Lane finished the season fifth in the goal kicking charts, racking up 43 majors during the home and away season. His presence up forward has freed up the likes of Carter to not be their only tall avenue to goal. Along with new recruit Jack Tomkinson, all three of these Tigers are sure to secure some votes throughout the evening.
Lachie Clifford
The enigmatic leader of the Tigers. Lachie Clifford is a hard-nosed, determined player that is always the first to enter the contest. He has led his team to another finals spot with his high-pressured contested game style. Highlighted by 24 disposals (8 contested) and 7 clearances per game, he is sure to secure some votes in this year’s count.
Clarence
Baxter Norton
2022 has been a breakout year for Norton. Joining the Roos’ leadership group and attending more centre bounces has both improved his numbers and heightened his presence in front of the umpires. Norton averages 23 disposals (8 contested), 6 clearances and 5 tackles and is expected to be the leading vote getter for Clarence.
Colin Garland
2022 has been a massive year for Garland. The competitions leading goalkicker with 59 majors. He will secure votes on multiple occasions with his bags of 10 in round 18 and 13 in round 20 hard for the umpires to ignore. He has been the driving force that has propelled the Roos into another finals spot. Some votes on Awards night will be another nice reward for his effort this year.
Sam Green
Sam Green has been a dynamic ruck presence for the Roos in 2022. His performances are sure to garner the attention of voters and is partly the reason that Clarence will feature in finals. He is averaging 22 disposals (8 clearances) 22 hit outs, 5 clearances and 2 intercept marks in 2022.
Lauderdale
Sam Siggins
Recently crowned the 2022 Cripps player of the year. Sam Siggins has every chance to snatch the Alistair Lynch medal as well. The Lauderdale midfielder has moved forward more this season but looks equally at home in both areas of the ground. Ending up 4th on the goalkicking leaderboard with 45. Almost all his numbers in 2022 are elite, averaging 26 disposals (12 contested), 5 marks and 2.5 goals per game.
Lennon Marlin
Recruited from the WAFL this year, Marlin has made a big impact on multiple occasions for the southern bombers. Despite an inconsistent year overall, Marlin’s best is worthy of big votes and must be expected to poll well on several occasions throughout the night. He averages 25 disposals (9 contested) and 6 clearances in 2022.
Josh McGuinness
The Lauderdale captain has been solid as a rock down back in 2022. One of the most consistent players in the TSL, McGuinnes has driven his side into finals with his leadership down back. Although he may not be ranked highly in the vote count, expect his average of 22 disposals 6 marks and 1.5 intercept marks to stand out on occasion.
North Launceston
Brad Cox Goodyer
Last year’s winner has put together another outstanding season. Averaging 29 disposals (9 contested) 6 clearances and 5 tackles. Cox-Goodyer has continued to burst through the midfield and score some of the most outstanding goals of the year, running at 2 goals a game. His monster numbers and big presence will make him a lock to poll well this year However, with the northern bombers missing out on finals, his chances of going back-to-back are diminished.
Alex Lee
The Northern Bombers big man has been the #1 ruckman in the competition this year. He is the starting ruckman in the 2022 TSL TOTY. Averaging 48 hit outs, Lee is constantly within the umpires eye line. His 7 clearances per game ensures that his presence is felt even after the hitout.
Jack Avent
A defender who has seen more midfield minutes this year. Traditionally, Avent’s lockdown form has been second to none, however in 2022, the spotlight was firmly on him. Averaging 27 disposals (9 contested), 7 clearances and 7 tackles. Expect Avent to be one of North Launceston’s leading vote getters during the TSL’s big night.
North Hobart
Tyler Mcginniss
Tyler McGinniss is the lone representative for the Demons in this seasons TOTY. He has not only been one of North Hobart’s best performers but also one of the competitions most consistent defenders in 2022. Averaging 22 disposals at 69% efficiency, 2 intercept marks, 6 rebound 50s and 5 1%ers.
Sam Caswell
For the entire running of the 2022 TSL season Sam Caswell has been one of the best tacklers in the league. Averaging 6.5 tackles and 5.2 effective tackles per game. Caswell is also ranked #6 overall for hardball gets, averaging 3.5. Despite missing a few games this year, there is still a strong chance that Caswell will pop up during the vote count.
Glenorchy
Ben Kamaric
Despite Glenorchy’s less than ideal season there have been several players that have stood out in their more competitive matches. One player that has refused to let his form slip despite the score line is stalwart Ben Kamaric. Despite not hitting the scoreboard as much this year as in the past, his numbers are still impressive by any standard. Recording an average of 26 disposals (7 contested), 7 clearances and 7 tackles a game.
Blake Waight
The standout new recruit for Glenorchy this year, former University star Blake Waight is part of a Glenorchy contingent stood tall throughout 2022 no matter how bleak the scorecard looked. Waight might be sneaky chance to grab some votes this year averaging 22 disposals (5 contested), 7 marks and 3 intercept marks per game.
