Tasmania wrapped up its national championships campaign with a convincing 42-point win over NSW/ACT at Visy Park on Tuesday, the victory ensuring the Apple Isle returned home with the division two title.
Armstrong paid tribute to his young side, which late last year lost rising stars Maverick Weller and Luke Russell when they joined the Gold Coast as part of the new AFL club’s recruiting mission.
Armstrong said even he was shocked by the talent shown by some of his young men in Tuesday’s 13.6 (84) to 6.6 (42) win.
“I knew it was there but I’ve been battling to get it out of them," Armstrong said after the match. "But some of them today showed they’ve got some real talent.”
Armstrong said while winning the division two title was pleasing, he knew his job was to get young Tasmanians ready for AFL football.
He was unsure how many of this year’s squad would graduate to the higher level, but believed some warranted a closer inspection from AFL recruiters.
“Sam Darley will be in contention for a spot with GWS, I think our captain Josh Green is worth a look, as is Jacob Gillbee,” Armstrong said.
“I think our big ruckman Andrew Phillips is worth a closer look ... our centre half-back Joseph Groenewegen, who played on a really good player today in Josh Bruce, he’s probably worth a closer look, too.
“There’s a few there that are teetering, whether they’re going to get the rest of the way, I don’t know.”
Division 2 MVP awards:
NSW/ACT - Anthony Miles
What AFL Talent Manager Kevin Sheehan said: “Miles dominated the first three games. He was averaging 33-plus possessions in those early games. As the championships wore on he got a bit sore but he had a wonderful three games. He’s had a brilliant year for the Murray Bushrangers, he’s great at the stoppages, wins the ball in a contested situation and has really quick hands.”
NT - Dean Staunton
What Kevin Sheehan said: “He’s only small in stature but huge in heart. His work rate across the five games was fantastic for his team. He won plenty of footy, both contested and also pushing over to support his teammates to receive. He’s a lion-hearted small midfielder who is able to push forward and hit the scoreboard.”
Queensland - Jake Crawford
What Kevin Sheehan said: “Jake is a key defender and playing that role for Queensland in these championships you had to work pretty hard. He played on the best player and had the toughest job most of the time. He’s a strongly-built, hard-working player that competed really hard and he’s been on the radar of the Gold Coast in recent years and he’s done his reputation the world of good with consistent performances throughout the championships.”
Tasmania - Josh Green
What Kevin Sheehan said: “Josh was Tassie’s best player in their matches against the division one teams, with his speed around the ball, his clean handling and his ball use on both sides of his body. He’s improved a lot and also been able to go forward and hurt teams by kicking some goals, so he’s really enhanced his draft chances by the way he led Tasmania.”
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