asmanian top tier football is back!

It was an explosive start to what is a big year in the NPL TAS.

A swag of goals, some truly fantastic individual performances, some wonderful open and attacking play and some big wins for teams.

Who stood out the most and made our Team of the Week?

Goalkeeper

David Smith – Launceston City

It was a lean week for goalkeepers in terms of saves, they were busy picking the ball out of the back of their net with a total of 22 goals scored across the opening round

The pick of the bunch was last year’s Goalkeeper of the Year David Smith. Smith commanded his box well against the Lions, played with strong presence, organised his defence and made saves when called upon. There was little Smith could do about Kingborough’s only goal as it was a pin point header.

Defence

Dwayne Walsh – Hobart JEEP Zebras

Walsh bombed up and down the flank with great effect, he was defensively sound whilst producing some dynamic drive, showcasing his attacking prowess and even his finishing ability with a well taken long range goal.

Karl De Groot – Launceston City

De Groot was sublime at the back, reading it well, picking out Lions passes. He tackled well and got things moving with his distribution from the back. De Groot looks to be a stellar find for City.

Henry Moody – Hobart JEEP Zebras

Moody is Zebras new Canadian centre back and the new recruit applied himself well in his first hitout. Moody is a formidable beast, threw his weight around and didn’t give the Rangers a sniff in the air with some brilliant aerially defence.

Dom Smith – Devonport Strikers

He broke out as a player to watch last season and on his first showing of 2016, it seems he will only continue to blossom this season. Smith was part of a very strong Devonport defensive unit, he didn’t give an inch on his wing and passed and moved the ball up the park to great effect.

 

Midfield

Dan Brown – South Hobart

Brown moved into midfield and it was like a duck to water. He occupied space well to deny Olympia opponents attacking opportunity and cut out balls with his traditional polarising no nonsense fashion. His work denied the Warrior’s playmakers great opportunity to influence the outcome.

Carlo Coppari – Launceston City

The Italian midfielder was excellent for City, was the orchestrator of attacks with his flair and creativity. Brought the wide players into the game and buzzed about to terrorise the Kingborough defence.

Nick Morton – South Hobart

The Morthog was simply exquisite for South on opening night. The midfielder has returned to Tasmania’s top tier after a year interstate and it looked as if he had never left. That same trademark engine, work rate, attacking flair and goal sense was on show as Morton took the drivers seat to rip apart Olympia. He was centre stage, whether with his goals or controversial celebration.

 

Forwards

Luke Huigsloot – Hobart JEEP Zebras

His Round 1 performance is exactly why Zebras worked so hard to bring Huigsloot across from University. The formidable forward struck a well taken hattrick, showcasing his aerial ability with goals from set pieces, a tactic that is sure to cause opposition headaches all year. It was not only Huigsloot’s aerial work that caught the eye but also his outstanding feet, ability to dig the ball out in a tackle and play in teammates. Huigsloot looks set for a big year in black and white.

Alex Leszczynski – South Hobart

‘Albie’ is another big forward who looks set for big things in 2016. The big bald, bearded beast appears to be relishing being the undeniable number 9 at South. He took his chances well, including an amazing long range header. The centre forwards flicking and passing range was also excellent.

Brody Denehey – Devonport Strikers

Everyone at Devonport has been excited about the return of Brayden Mann, but Brody Denehey perhaps should be the most excited. The winger will get less defensive attention than in the previous two seasons but markedly better service. Denehey had two really golden chances against Clarence and he buried them, both in the space of three minutes to rip the game away from the reds. His finishing was strong and he made the right runs at the right time to cause headaches.