Former North Hobart skipper and VFL player Jack Sandric on TSL’s demise

Fresh off his 100th game, a former Tasmanian VFL player has spoken on the need for an elite level competition in the state following the end of the current Tasmanian State League.

Ryan Rosendale

@RosendaleRyan

2 min read

July 31, 2023 - 4:15PM

News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

North Hobart’s Jack Sandric has experience at VFL level and believes the eventual Tasmanian team needs to be supported by elite level local football similar to the TSL. Picture: Linda Higginson

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Former North Hobart captain Jack Sandric believes having a strong elite level competition underpinning the incoming VFL and AFL programs is vital for the future of Tasmanian football.

Sandric, who notched up his 100th game in Saturday’s 30-point win over Lauderdale, has experience in a VFL program at both Coburg and Box Hill and is hopeful the semi-professional standards that the TSL clubs operate in continue on in any competition post 2024.

Sandric played his 100th game for North Hobart against Lauderdale on Saturday and finished with 21 disposals, 11 contested possessions, four tackles, four clearances and a goal. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“I believe it’s highly important for there to be a premier quality competition under the VFL program,” Sandric said.

“When the AFL team is up and humming the VFL team will be made up of mostly AFL-listed guys so it’s imperative that there is a strong competition below that which promotes and produces quality players who can then jump to the next level (the VFL).

“As a player it’s something I don’t think about a hell of a lot because it’s out of our control but I’m a massive advocate for a quality competition. Whether that’s a state league or premier competition, whatever you want to call it, it’s important to have an elite level competition below the VFL.”

Making his debut back in 2012 against Hobart, Sandric has seen it all during his time as a Demon and with the club still in finals contention this late into the season he believes the Demons current coach has similar traits to the one that he debuted under.

“There are bigger milestones than 100 and obviously playing finals but it was a special day for my family,” he said.

“My mum, dad and sisters were more excited than I was but it was pretty special and it really enabled me to reflect on what has been a pretty great journey.

“When I made my debut back in 2012 it was under Lance Spaulding. He gave me my first opportunity and it made me think about what a wonderful man he was and he challenged you a lot but you always knew he was in your corner.

Sandric returned to the Demons in 2020 after playing for Coburg and Box Hill in the VFL Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones.

“Now with Adam (Bester) I see a lot of similar traits. He challenges all of us and probably challenges me more than any coach I’ve had but he does it out of love and because he wants you to be the best player you can be for the team.”

Now sitting just two wins outside the top four with five rounds to play, the Demons will face Glenorchy this week followed by a bye with their final three games of the season coming against three of the current top four sides – Launceston, Clarence and North Launceston.

“We are now still with a sniff for finals if we continue to win so we are coming right at the end of the year,” Sandric said.