THE streets of Bracknell were lined with cars and the footy ground perimeter was heaving with supporters for the opening round of the Northern Tasmanian Football Association roster on April 1.
In their midst were former AFL players Joel and Scott Selwood, with Scott, a premiership captain who played 169 games for West Coast and Geelong before finishing up in 2019, pulling on the boots for the Redlegs.
Joel was there to support his brother and speak at a game-day function that packed out the clubrooms.
Scott and former AFL player, Launceston’s Jackson Thurlow, were special guests at another function that night. While the boost for the team was a one-off, the result of connections between the Selwoods and former Launceston players who moved to Bracknell, Redlegs coach Cory Goodluck was positive about the effect the day had on the NTFA as a whole.
“It’s huge for us and the league, I think it’s very healthy for the competition to have people like this come down and contribute to our league,” he said.
Unfortunately Bracknell were not able to take advantage, going down 8.7.55 to Hillwood 9.11.65.
In round 2 this weekend, Bracknell travels to George Town and then comes up against Longford on their home ground. Meanwhile, reigning seniors and reserves premiers Longford will get back to business having had the first round bye and then a break for Easter.
Joel Selwood with Noah Jones of Bracknell and Archie Green, Zara Cole and Hamish Penny and Jack-Green all of Cressy.
The Tigers will play Scottsdale at Longford, with Scottsdale easily defeating George Town in round 1 (82-49). Longford’s new president is Robert “Southy” Moore who has stepped up from vice-president following Archie Blair stepping down at the end of last season.
The past year could hardly get any better for Blair, who watched the seniors and reserves win, the Longford Premier League cricket team win, the Longford Bowls Club, which has Archie’s brother Roy Blair as the president, win the finals last weekend and his son Jackson, the only player to take to the field in both the football and cricket teams, excel in both. Brayden Richardson has taken on the role of the club’s vice-president and Longford will once again field an under-18 and also women’s team.
Three young former Launceston players have joined the seniors: Jet Maloney, a former Longford junior, Casey Brown and Connor Riethoff, who will notice the difference in pace but will be keen to perform.
Senior coach this season is Mitchell Stagg who steps into the big shoes of Beau Thorpe with current captain Josh Francombe and full forward Luke Murphett-Cohen assisting.
Coaching the under-18s this season is Erin Carr while Dillon Headlam is coaching the reserves with Sam Gray assisting, while the Longford women’s team is being coached by Leon Nicholls, with Libby McGrath assisting.