By Abby Collins
The stage is set for an epic interstate battle as the Queensland and Tasmania Men’s state teams prepare to clash at Bond University Oval.
Last year the return of the state game saw Tasmania emerge victorious in a closely fought battle in at North Hobart Oval.
However, this year’s outcome is anyone’s guess, with both sides undergoing some significant changes, boasting a mix of experienced veterans and exciting fresh faces.
Tasmania’s list will see the return of about 60 per cent of last year’s team, with the rest of the positions being snatched up by newbies prepared to represent Tasmania for their first time.
One of the big shifts for “The Map” is their Head Coach. Moving up from his five-time stint as Assistant Coach, Aaron Cornelius welcomes the opportunity to leave his mark with his new title.
“It is a privilege to coach Tasmania at a senior level,” he said.
“There’s a lot of great footballers and people who have come through the Tasmanian state team and held this position, so I don’t take it lightly.”
The Queensland line up sees major shifts in their key personnel for this year’s match up. Welcoming only seven players back to the field from the 2023 team, the maroon and white are filling the rest of their positions with new faces.
Queensland will welcome former Brisbane Lions’ players, Liam Dawson, Jonathan Freeman, and Matt Hammelmann to their list, alongside QAFL’s Mr Consistent, Will Fletcher.
“Liam Dawson is a key defender who intercepts the ball well and will hold the defensive unit together,” Leigh Harding, Queensland coach said.
“Then there is Matt Hammelmann, a key forward who is one of the best goal kickers in the QAFL and kicked over 100 goals last season.
“He is reliable but didn’t play for state last year due to being unavailable for selection.
“Will Fletcher, a midfielder who can go forward easily. He has spent most of his time with Sherwood and is a very consistent performer for them.
“He is one of those unsung heroes and goes under the radar a lot of the time.”
Tasmania’s key players to watch out for will be Sam Siggins, an ex-Adelaide Crow, Kieran Lovell, a former Hawthorn listed player and Andrew Phillips, a seasoned GWS ruckman.
“We’ve got Sam Siggins, he was best on ground in the game last year,” Andrew said.
“He is from Lauderdale football club and has previously spent some time with the Adelaide Crows.
“He stands at around 6 foot 5 inches and is having a great season down here, easily transitioning between forward and midfield.
“Andrew Philips will be a key player for us on the day. He is a ruckman with 10 years in the NFL, and 82 AFL games under his belt.
“Once he made his way back to Tasmania, he went back to playing for his local club.”
With pride, passion and state bragging rights on the line, fans can expect an enthralling display of skill from those donning the state guernseys this weekend for the 116th year of rivalry.
