'He gave us a big boost': Longford coach lauds impact of ex-AFL player (2025)

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When Isaac Chugg left Longford Tigers in 2018, he was a gun junior looking to further his football career in the State League at Launceston.

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Now, the 23-year-old has returned to his childhood club with AFL, VFL and TSL experience under his belt.

'He gave us a big boost': Longford coach lauds impact of ex-AFL player (1)

Isaac Chugg runs out in Longford colours for the first time since 2018. Pictures by Craig George

It's experience that coach Kasey Curtis found invaluable as his side was looking to bounce back from a 137-point loss to North Launceston in round one of the NTFA premier league.

"Thursday night he was fantastic for us and then out on the field Saturday he brought a lot of drive into the midfield," Curtis said.

"He gave us a big boost."

It was a family affair for Chugg, who ran out onto the ground with his relatives Oliver Chugg and 16-year-old Kayden Tootell.

"His family is rich in the history of the football club and for him to officially debut for the club I know it meant a lot to him and his family," the Longford coach said.

The Tigers were also celebrating the 200^th game of club stalwart Jake Murfett.

Curtis could not speak more highly of what Murfett has done for the club.

"He's as loyal as they come, he's part of the furniture now, him and his family," he said.

"He's someone that's an inspirational leader and he's someone that is the heart and soul of our club, on and off the field.

"He's the sort of person that helps behind the bar, he helps out with everything that he can."

'He gave us a big boost': Longford coach lauds impact of ex-AFL player (2)

Longford's Casey Brown and Scottsdale's Deagen Young contest the football.

At the other end of the experience spectrum was second-gamer Kayden Tootell.

Tootell's calm composure stood out to Curtis, who said it was rare to see someone so young show so much class with ball in hand.

"He was fantastic Saturday, he's got a lot of poise for a 16-year-old," he said.

"He looked like a 50-to-100-gamer out there with some of his ball-use and awareness and positioning on the ground."

The only blemish in an otherwise fantastic day for Longford was an ankle injury in the fourth quarter to assistant coach Dylan Headland.

"It's not conclusive what it is yet, looks like an ankle, I think it was just a bit of a knock and hopefully it's only minor and he can get up for next week," Casey said.

Longford will travel to Deloraine next weekend for their round three clash.