By: DARRYN PERRY
Yes, Queensland is considered a developing state but the AFL has spent bucket-loads of development money up there for years now, and that was before the looming Gold Coast franchise.
Compare that to the relative pittance the AFL delivers to a football heartland like Tasmania, and it puts a more accurate perspective on the significance of Tasmania's victory.
The win was underpinned by the coaching mastery of Mathew Armstrong.
Armstrong's meticulous, `leave nothing to chance' preparation and ability to have everyone champing at the bit was a far cry from the shemozzle of two years ago. He is born to coach and Tasmania is fortunate to have him when he could easily succeed in the AFL system.
Armstrong knew exactly what was needed to get the win. He selected the `step up' players required and trained them at the level necessary for a state game.
Squally weather conditions forced Armstrong to make the gut-wrenching decision of culling unlucky tall Ben Reynolds from the 23 on the morning of the game -- never an easy job. However the decision to add another mid-sized player was vindicated in the last quarter when power running enabled Tasmania to kick away from a tiring Queensland. Reynolds will play for Tasmania one day, and to be in the sheds for the pre-game routine to wish his teammates good luck was an indication of his character.
The win was set up through the superb leadership of joint captains Shane Piuselli and Justin Plapp. Both were inspiring and deserved joint winners of the Lefroy Medal for Tasmanians best player.
This week the Lamingtons go to coach Matthew Armstrong for returning the passion and professionalism to representative football after a couple of years in the wilderness.
Last Modified on 10/06/2009 12:00