Locker-room leader Anthony Drmic locked-in for a fourth season

Championship player Anthony Drmic is suiting up for a fourth season with the Tasmania JackJumpers, signing a one-year contract for the Hungry Jack’s NBL27.  

The feisty guard has notched 279 NBL games, including 80 with the JackJumpers, with the potential to hit the 300 milestone within grasp.  

It’s an impressive rebound for the 34-year-old who thought his career was over last season, when a back injury had him bedridden for weeks and contemplating retirement.  

“When you’re deep into an injury like that, your mind starts to wonder about what’s next and whether you’ll play again or not,” Drmic said.  

“It does give you a different perspective when you get your body back to feeling really good, and you are blessed with an opportunity like this to play again.  

“I’m officially the old guy in the team; there’s no fending that title off. Last season I really put a big focus on stepping out of my shell and stepping up in the locker-room, and the guys really responded and respected it.  

“It’s a privilege, and with some new blood coming into the team, we’re all going to have really important roles to play on and off the court.” 

Last season, Drmic’s locker-room leadership earned him the esteemed vice-captain title, and this season it cemented his return to the team in the eyes of Coach Scott Roth.  

“It was really important that we sign Drmic back,” Roth said. “He personifies the  JackJumpers grit and grind, his toughness for us to go play has been hugely important. 

“He unfortunately had a tough season last year, but he’s back and will be fulfilling a really important role with us with his leadership and just the way he goes about playing.” 

General Manager of Basketball Operations Darren Smith said Drmic was a fundamental to the cultural bedrock of the club. 

“Having Anthony back continues the ability for us to lean on his experience and ability to be a role model, especially for our younger players,” Smith said.  

“He has an incredible work ethic on court which fans see, but it’s behind the scenes in the locker-room where his edge of toughness, accountability and leadership adds huge value.  

“Having another year of this is exciting for Anthony and exciting for us.”