Clarence’s Sam Green confirms VFL interest amid strong TSL form

It's no wonder that Clarence's Sam Green received heavy VFL interest early in the season; he's become one of the TSL's best young ruckmen.

On Friday, Green told The Mercury that the independent Northern Bullants of the Victorian Football League had offered him a contract to play, but that he was unable to accept because of his employment commitments.

The Northern Bullants were very friendly, as Green himself admitted.

They asked me to go over there twice for different games. My apprenticeship is now in its fourth year, so the timing just didn't work out, but we've stayed in touch and it could be something we revisit in the coming year.

Despite missing two games earlier in the season due to an ankle ailment, the 22-year-old has followed up his breakout season in 2022 with another impressive campaign.

When Green's initial opportunity to travel fell through, he found renewed motivation for his current and future endeavors.

Having people take note of what you are doing can feel very unique so that interest did kindle a fire in me. I count it a great honor that they contacted me.

Green's decision not to play in Tasmania's state game against Queensland earlier this month was met with controversy due to his VFL interest and consistent great form.

Green said he was healthy and ready to play a week before the game, despite having suffered an ankle injury in the days leading up to the game.

"I was disappointed, but I was happy to see the boys get the win," Green said.

As the story goes, "I did a full training run in the week prior to the game, which I needed to pass," but "I got the call a few days later to say that I didn't fit the team they wanted to put out on the park."

I don't think I had enough playing time last year as a forward or defence in the TSL, but I think that's changed this season. That's fine, too; the team was formidable, and many deserving individuals were left off.

Unsure of what lies ahead, Green said he was putting all of his attention on helping coach Peter Ryan's Roos secure a fourth-place finish on the TSL standings with a win over their rivals from Lauderdale this week.

The rest of the season holds great promise, he remarked.

"Everything is going according to plan, and the boys are pumped up and ready to go. We are well aware that in order to maintain our position in the top four, we will need to continue to play some of our finest football, and that will begin with Lauderdale.