Clifford and BCG lead 2023 TSL Team of the Year
The 2023 Tasmanian State League (TSL) Team of the Year has been selected, with eight players named in the Team of the Year for the first time.
All seven TSL clubs were asked to nominate players they believed worthy of Team of the Year consideration. An assembled TSL panel then selected the best 22 of the 2023 season.
The selection panel picked the team and positions as if the team were to play a game.
The TSL Coach of the Year was selected by TSL Management, with North Launceston’s Brad Cox-Goodyer handed the honour after steering his young North Launceston side to a second-placed home and away campaign.
Kingborough skipper Lachlan Clifford, selected in the side for the first time, was chosen as captain, with Cripps Player of the Year Sam Siggins named vice-captain after a sensational individual season for Lauderdale.
BACKS
BP: James Bealey – Clarence (18 games, first time Team of the Year)
The often-unheralded leader of Clarence’s defence, Bealey has enjoyed a consistent campaign after a strong 2022. Bealey is given the toughest of jobs week-in, week-out and is rarely beaten, making him arguably the competition’s best lockdown small defender.
Key stat averages: 12.4 Disposals, 72% Disposal Efficiency, 3.5 1%ers (Elite), 64.6 Premier Data Ranking Points
FB: Ben Donnelly – Kingborough (18 games, second time TOTY)
The mainstay of Kingborough’s defence, Donnelly has built upon his consistent 2022 campaign to take his game to another level. Donnelly has remained a strong lockdown defender but has started to provide more influence in matches with his marking and intercept work. A beloved figure at Tigerland, Donnelly was a clear choice for Team of the Year full back.
Key stat averages: 12.2 Disposals, 4.9 Marks (Elite), 1.5 Contested Marks (Elite), 5.9 Intercept Possessions (Elite), 75.6 Premier Data Ranking Points
BP: Keegan Wylie – Clarence (15 games, 3 goals, second time TOTY)
After a maiden TOTY appearance in 2022, Keegan Wylie has enjoyed another strong campaign despite missing a few games through injury, ranked elite for disposals, disposal efficiency, kicks, rebound 50s and marks. The architect for much of Clarence’s attack off half-back, Wylie sits comfortably among the competition’s premier defenders.
Key stat averages: 21.4 Disposals, 76% Disposal Efficiency (Elite), 5.4 Marks (Elite), 3.7 Intercept Possessions, 6.5 Rebound 50s (Elite), 91.3 Premier Data Ranking Points
HBF: Tyler McGinniss – North Hobart (15 games, 6 goals, second time TOTY)
One of the competition’s most versatile players, McGinniss has had another strong season across a variety of different roles. A cool head on young shoulders, McGinniss has had a strong year across all statistical areas, rated elite for disposals, rebound 50s and 1%ers.
Key stat averages: 20.8 Disposals (Elite), 74% Disposal Efficiency, 6.3 Rebound 50s (Elite), 3.3 1%ers (Elite), 89.7 Premier Data Ranking Points (Elite)
CHB: Blake Waight – Glenorchy (18 games, first time TOTY)
One of the competition’s best marks, Waight is an elite reader of the play and has been a shining light out of KGV in 2023. Number one in the competition for marks per game and second for intercept marks in a year that saw him often push right up the ground to provide a target down the line.
Key stat averages: 19.5 Disposals, 1 Contested Mark (Elite), 2.8 Intercept Marks (Elite), 4.2 Rebound 50s (Elite), 86.7 Premier Data Ranking Points
HBF: Elijah Reardon – Kingborough (17 games, 1 goal, second time TOTY)
A livewire footballer with the ability to cut the opposition to shreds. Reardon has enjoyed another strong season, impressing with both his defensive and offensive qualities. Reardon’s eye-catching run and carry and high flying may catch the headlines, but his defensive efforts and capacity to quell his opponent’s influence makes him a well-rounded defender.
Key stat averages: 17.2 Disposals, 6.8 Contested Possessions, 1 Contested Mark, 3.8 Inside 50s (Elite), 3.5 1%ers (Elite), 3.4 Score Involvements, 4.9 Rebound 50s (Elite), 5.1 Intercept Possessions (Elite), 81.1 Premier Data Ranking Points
CENTRES
W: Jack Avent – North Launceston (15 games, 5 goals, third time TOTY)
A player who keeps on keeping on. Jack Avent has been an integral figure in North Launceston’s rise up the ladder, impressing with his hard-running and capacity to find the footy. In the competition’s top 10 for ground ball gets, clearances and contested possessions.
Key stat averages: 22.8 Disposals (Elite), 13.6 Contested Possessions (Elite), 7.2 Clearances (Elite), 4.6 Inside 50s (Elite), 5.4 Score Involvements (Elite), 103.8 Premier Data Ranking Points (Elite)
C: Lachlan Clifford (C) – Kingborough (17 games, 8 goals, first time TOTY)
Without question one of the competition’s premier midfielders. Clifford has taken his game to another level in 2023, amassing big numbers while leading his side by example. Ranked in the competition’s top five for contested possessions, disposals and clearances.
Key stat averages: 26.5 Disposals (Elite), 13.1 Contested Possessions (Elite), 4.9 Marks (Elite), 7.9 Clearances (Elite), 4.5 Inside 50s (Elite), 110.4 Premier Data Ranking Points (Elite)
W: Brodie Palfreyman – Launceston (16 games, 9 goals, second time TOTY)
Palfreyman found the ball for fun across much of 2023, stepping up to be the Blues’ number one mid. With a ferocious attack on the footy and the capacity to win it on the inside and outside, Palfreyman is one of the competition’s most well-rounded ball-winners, as shown by his outstanding statistical record.
Key stat averages: 24.6 Disposals (Elite), 11.5 Contested Possessions (Elite), 6.1 Clearances (Elite), 4.1 Inside 50s (Elite), 5.9 Tackles (Elite), 2.8 Goal Involvements (Elite), 5 Score Involvements (Elite), 102.9 Premier Data Ranking Points (Elite)
FORWARDS
HFF: Brad Cox-Goodyer (Coach) – North Launceston (17 games, 53 goals, ninth time TOTY)
A modern great of Tasmanian football. Brad Cox-Goodyer has almost everything in the TSL, and 2023 saw him top the competition for goalkicking to snare his first Hudson Medal. BCG played in a variety of roles across the season but always looked dangerous when forward of centre. Although his disposal numbers may be slightly down on previous campaigns, he ensured he had maximum impact to remain as one of the competition’s genuine stars.
Key stat averages: 19.9 Disposals, 7.2 Contested Possessions, 5.1 Marks (Elite), 1.4 Contested Marks (Elite), 2.8 Inside 50s, 2.9 Goals, 4.4 Goal Involvements (Elite), 7.6 Score Involvements (Elite), 85.1 Premier Data Ranking Points
CHF: Sam Siggins (Vice Captain) – Lauderdale (18 games, 27 goals, sixth time TOTY)
The Cripps Player of the Year had a remarkable individual campaign, dominating in every facet of his game. Siggins spent his time up forward or through the midfield and excelled at both, topping the competition for disposals, contested possessions, goals and clearances, while also featuring in the top 10 for inside 50s, hit outs and contested marks. Named as vice-captain in this team for his capacity to put others on his shoulders and perform consistently weekly.
Key stat averages: 33.8 Disposals (Elite), 22.4 Contested Possessions (Elite), 2.2 Contested Marks (Elite), 14.3 Clearances (Elite), 5.5 Inside 50s (Elite), 19.8 Hit Outs, 8.1 Score Involvements (Elite), 171.8 Premier Data Ranking Points (Elite)
HFF: Baxter Norton – Clarence (17 games, 13 goals, second time TOTY)
The Clarence prime mover has enjoyed another standout campaign, leading Clarence’s engine room for much of the season. Norton found a way to hit the scoreboard, finishing the year with 13 goals, but importantly, playing a key role in linking the ‘Roos up and down the field. A clever footballer who seems to be getting better and better.
Key stat averages: 25.2 Disposals (Elite), 9 Contested Possessions (Elite), 5.2 Marks (Elite), 4.9 Clearances (Elite), 5.1 Tackles (Elite), 5.6 Inside 50s (Elite), 5.6 Score Involvements (Elite) 113.6 Premier Data Ranking Points (Elite)
FP: Liam Jones – Launceston (18 games, 32 goals, first time TOTY)
The 2022 Tasmania Devils Best and Fairest spent most of his season as a forward and relished the opportunity. While kicking almost two goals a game himself, Leary was integral in assisting his teammates, finishing the season at the pointy end for inside 50 tackles, score involvements and goal assists. A hard-worker, Jones made life incredibly difficult for opposition smalls.
Key stat averages: 17.1 Disposals, 3.8 Marks, 7.5 Contested Possessions, 3.5 Tackles, 4.1 Goal Involvements (Elite), 6.5 Score Involvements (Elite), 84.8 Premier Data Ranking Points
FF: Jack Tomkinson – Kingborough (18 games, 36 goals, first time TOTY)
The Kingborough behemoth went from strength to strength in 2023, stamping his position as one of the competition’s most imposing figures. A beast in the air and around the ground, Tomkinson impressed whether up forward or in the ruck, using his size, footy smarts and work rate to outgun his opponents.
Key stat averages: 14.9 Disposals, 10.7 Contested Possessions (Elite), 2.4 Contested Marks (Elite), 4.6 Clearances (Elite), 2.8 Inside 50s, 2.9 Tackles, 6.7 Score Involvements (Elite), 109.2 Premier Data Ranking Points (Elite)
FP: Jake Hinds – Launceston (15 games, 38 goals, fourth time TOTY)
A player with a knack for the big sticks, Hinds enjoyed another stellar season playing across the field. An outstanding mark, Hinds was again a difficult match-up for opposing defences with his cat-like abilities at ground level.
Key stat averages: 20.2 Disposals, 9.7 Contested Possessions (Elite), 5.5 Marks (Elite), 1.6 Contested Marks (Elite), 6.8 Score Involvements (Elite), 95.4 Premier Data Ranking Points (Elite)
FOLLOWERS
RU: Alex Lee – North Launceston (17 games, 2 goals, fourth time TOTY)
North Launceston’s co-captain just keeps getting it done. Lee was again the competition’s premier ruckman, doing the majority of the Bombers’ grunt work throughout the year. Lee averaged 47.4 Hit Outs per game, with 12.8 to advantage and eight clearances of his own.
Key stat averages: 15.4 Disposals, 47.4 Hit Outs (Elite), 9.6 Contested Possessions (Elite), 8.1 Clearances (Elite), 3.9 Inside 50s (Elite), 2.9 Goal Involvements (Elite), 128.8 Premier Data Ranking Points (Elite)
RR: Ben Simpson – North Launceston (17 games, 2 goals, first time TOTY)
Simpson joins his fellow North Launceston in the Team of the Year for the first time. Cruelled by injury in 2022, Simpson returned with a bang and showcased the form he teased last season, emerging as one of the league’s top ball winners.
Key stat averages: 25.5 Disposals (Elite), 8.4 Clearances (Elite), 12.2 Contested Possessions (Elite), 5 Inside 50s (Elite), 5.6 Tackles (Elite), 5.4 Score Involvements (Elite), 109.2 Premier Data Ranking Points (Elite)
RO: Kieran Lovell – Kingborough (15 games, 10 goals, fourth time TOTY)
Lovell was at his destructive best this season, with similar numbers to his 2022 campaign. Dazzling with his vision, bursts of speed and capacity to keep his feet, Lovell doubled his goals tally from last year to add maximum value to his work.
Key stat averages: 26.8 Disposals (Elite), 8.1 Clearances (Elite), 12.4 Contested Possessions (Elite), 5.7 Inside 50s (Elite), 109.2 Premier Data Ranking Points (Elite)
INTERCHANGE
INT: Eddie Cole – Kingborough (18 games, 4 goals, third time TOTY)
Arguably the ‘attack dog’ of the Kingborough midfield, Cole’s grunt and ferocity at the contest again shone through in 2023. Cole’s finish to the season was particularly strong, with his numbers and output rising after the State Game break, in which he also played a vital role.
Key stat averages: 22.2 Disposals (Elite), 12.7 Contested Possessions (Elite), 7.1 Tackles (Elite), 6.4 Clearances (Elite), 3.9 Inside 50s (Elite), 8.7 Groundball gets (Elite), 103.5 Premier Data Ranking Points (Elite)
INT: Angus Norton – North Hobart (17 fames, 2 goals, first time TOTY)
The heart and soul of the North Hobart Demons, Norton has stepped up from being a strong, reliable role player to an out-and-out ball magnet. Norton’s game grew and grew as the season went on, finishing the year as one of the league’s most damaging players.
Key stat averages: 28.6 Disposals (Elite), 9.1 Contested Possessions (Elite), 8.2 Tackles (Elite), 3.5 Rebound 50s (Elite), 114 Premier Data Ranking Points (Elite)
INT: Brandon Leary – North Launceston (17 games, 34 goals, second time TOTY)
Providing two goals a game, Leary has had another strong season as one of the state’s standout small forwards. Ranked elite for forward 50 tackles, goals, goal involvements and score involvements. A player who can turn a game on its head in a flash.
Key stat averages: 13.6 Disposals, 7.2 Contested Possessions, 3.1 Goal Involvements (Elite), 2.8 Tackles, 68.9 Premier Data Ranking Points
INT: Sam Green – Clarence (18 games, 7 goals, first time TOTY)
The Clarence workhorse was again terrific in 2023, shouldering much of the ruckload as an undersized big man. Green’s capacity to influence the game across the ground was again on show, with standout disposal, intercept, clearance and mark numbers.
Key stat averages: 22.6 Disposals (Elite), 5.8 Marks (Elite), 4.6 Clearances (Elite), 4.3 Intercept Possessions (Elite), 20.3 Hit Outs (Elite), 124.3 Premier Data Ranking Points (Elite)
SELECTION DILEMMAS
As always, there were some very stiff players to miss.
Josh Arnold, Jamieson House and
Max Collidge and Harvey Griffiths both had outstanding home and away seasons inside 50, but were just pipped by the likes of Liam Jones and Brandon Leary.
Tiger pair James Webb and Lochie Griggs can consider themselves unlucky, with the two classy operators both delivering strong seasons. Ultimately, however, they couldn’t quite squeeze into a competitive midfield or wing spot.
Samuel Foley enjoyed a breakout season for the Blues off half back and was incredibly close to being selected, while fellow defenders Fletcher Bennett, Tyler Martin and Josh Gillow were also long-considered.
Utilities Josh Arnold and Jamieson House were unlucky, while Bryce Walsh had a fantastic season when fully fit, and without injury, would’ve mounted a serious case for selection.
North Hobart contingent Dom White, Cohen Stephenson, Nick Jackson and Jack McCulloch also put strong cases forward but couldn’t quite squeeze in, with the latter two unlucky due to the number of talls in the team.
