It may well be that as time goes on more Tasmanian players become legends of the game. At present the players listed below are current AFL or VFL listed players. Some may rise to the heights.
However, the signs are good for the future of football in the state despite a contraction of clubs and more emphasis on other sports.
Young players are still playing football for their local clubs all around the state and the most promising should be given a chance to succeed at AFL level or in the Tasmanian VFL team.
Certainly some players have been given a chance and we may see their names go down in Tasmanian football folklore in the future.
Recent former players such as Mark Harwood, Tim Hazell, Steven Lawrence, Ben Harrison, Trent Bartlett, Jade Rawlings, Ben Beams, Leigh Brockman and Gerard Bennett have played in AFL teams.
Other players such as Ian Callinan, Brett Geappen, Ryan Innes, Craig Millar, Michael Praciak, Cameron Thurley,
Leigh Walker, Nathan Street, Adam Derbyshire, Kane Richter, James Jenkins, and
Brett Robinson have played or are currently playing VFL football for Tasmania and may be drafted in the future.
Still more may make their way through the Tassie Mariners program with young
players always making an impression.
In 2006 Tasmanian Devils Ben Atkin,
Trent Bartlett and Ben Beams were selected in the VFL team that beat Western
Australia.
Barry Brooks from King Island was drafted to Port Adelaide in 2001
and then went to St Kilda. Then there is East Devonport's Jason Laycock who has
made an impression at Essendon in the ruck while Clarence's Justin
Sherman made a spectacular debut and continues to impress with the Brisbane Lions. While
North Hobart's Simon Taylor made a solid debut for Hawthorn and continues to
grow in stature as one of the best young ruckmen in the AFL.
Devonport's Grant Birchall has become an integral part of the Hawthorn backline.
St.Kilda's young captain Nick Riewoldt is one of
the most high profile AFL Players while Richmond's Matthew Richardson has
enjoyed one of his best seasons so far in the twilight of his career.
In addition, Colin Garland from North Hobart is an up and coming player at
Melbourne while Sam Lonergan at Essendon and Clarence's Jack Riewoldt at
Richmond have recently debuted in the big time!
Notable current Tasmanian Players in the AFL
include
Matthew Richardson
Brad Green
Russell Robertson
Brodie Holland
Peter Street
Justin Sherman
Grant Birchall
Nick Riewoldt
David Neitz
Jack Riewoldt
Simon Taylor
Sam Lonergan
Jason Laycock
Colin Garland
The future looks bright for football in Tasmania.
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