Rodman replaces his wings

BY MARTIN AGATYN

27 Nov, 2010 01:00 AM

LEADING Ulverstone goal kicker Justin Rodman has signed to play State League football next year with Devonport.Rodman, 26, has been one of the NTFL's best forwards in recent years, booting 80 goals for the Robins in 2008 and 62 this year.The former Robin, now turned Magpie, injured his knee last year and missed out playing in Ulverstone's premiership, also missing almost a third of this season while recovering from his injury, but still ending the season second on the leading goal-kicking table.Rodman was also one of the Robins' best in this year's NTFL grand final loss to Latrobe, but the tall forward said his decision to step up to the State League had nothing to do with the grand final defeat."I'm just looking at it as an opportunity to challenge myself to play in the best football competition in Tasmania while I'm still young enough to do it," Rodman said."It's been a hard decision to leave Ulverstone - I've been there for 10 years."But the chance to play on the best grounds with the best umpires and best facilities is hard to pass up."It will be great to play at Aurora Stadium and other grounds, under lights sometimes and to play against a Brownlow medallist like Jason Akermanis."Rodman said his decision to sign with Devonport had not been influenced by the appointment this week of former Ulverstone under 19 coach Glen Lutwyche as Devonport senior coach."Glen didn't poach me - I had pretty well made up my mind before he was appointed," Rodman said."Of course, it makes things easier for me going to a new club now with someone I know as the coach."There have been a few Ulverstone boys playing State League with Devonport for the past two years, but most of them are gone now, so having Glen there will help me settle quicker."Rodman said the hardest thing about switching from being a Robin to being a Magpie would be wearing the black and white strip."I hate Collingwood," he said.