Another Tasmanian has agreed to ply his trade at Piranha Park in season 2017, with dual Tasmanian State League Team of the Year Fullback Tom Cleary the latest signing.
Originally from New Nolfork, where he was a premiership player in 2010, Cleary’s late teens were hampered by illness and therefore missed out on selection in the Mariners squads at under 18 level. He eventually would make the move to the TSL, first with Glenorchy, then Launceston for 2012.
Moving to Launceston, Cleary would take a while to establish himself in the senior side, however in 2014 would be a Senior regular before moving back to Hobart, with Glenorchy. Upon his return, it would result in him playing some of his best football to date- he would be named at Fullback in the State League’s team of the year in 2015 and 2016, and would also represent the state side in the latter year- being named one of the best players in the heavy loss to Western Australia.
To further top things off, he would play in Glenorchy’s drought breaking premiership, a year after playing in the losing Grand Final. Cleary was one of the best players on the day, and at 24 years of age, is looking forward to making the transition to VFL Football.
“What I’m looking forward to the most about playing with Coburg is being a part of a club, culture and group of young men, striving to be the best that they can be.”
“I felt Coburg would be the best fit for me in 2017 because it is a club of opportunity, it provides players with great mentors and you are surrounded by down to earth people,” said Cleary.
List and Recruiting Manager Sebastian Spagnuolo was delighted to have secured the 196cm key defenders signature, having been courted by a few state league clubs around Australia.
“Tom is a well credentialed key defender that comes from a successful Tasmanian State League background. He’s twice been a state league team of the year full back and he will provide experience and maturity to our back half.”
“He’s been able to blanket the best key forwards in Tassie and we feel he can transition nicely to the VFL in a similar role.”
“We’re proud and pleased to be Tom’s home for 2017 and we’re looking forward to an exciting year ahead.”
And for those wondering, he is no relation to the legendary Phil. Stay tuned for more news as we announce more over the Christmas & New Year break.
