SOUTH LAUNCESTON kicks off its NTFA division 1 premiership defence against Longford tomorrow with coach Aaron Viney keen to get their season under way after a round 1 bye.
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Viney said the Bulldogs had a full list available and were looking forward to taking on the Tigers at home, who he said were an improved side on last year.
"I went and had a look at them last week and they have a lot more blokes in the middle winning a lot more footy and I had a look at how they structured up so we won't be taking them lightly," he said.
"We will be putting a strong team on the park with only Nick Denholm unavailable with suspension from last year and we will be looking to go to Longford and get the four points.
"We will probably be rusty and they will be a game more hardened than us an we can't be complacent this week but if we play to our structures and game plan I'm sure we can come away with a result."
LONGFORD coach Ben Chugg said the Tigers played well for three quarters against Bridgenorth and would work on producing a four-quarter effort.
"We're looking forward to playing our first home game in front of our fans and we will get a big test against South who will be one of the teams to beat and we're looking forward to the opportunity," he said.
Longford will have four out with Sam Chugg and Brad Trotter unavailable and Jake Murfett and Tom Cox out injured.
"It gives a good opportunity for those coming in and will be a good test of our depth as well."
DELORAINE hosts Bridgenorth in what should be another good contest between two of the competition heavyweights who were both round 1 winners.
Roos coach Rory Mansell said they rated the Parrots highly and as one of the two teams to beat this season along with reigning premier South Launceston.
"We were patchy at best last week and certainly have a lot to improve on if we are going to challenge the top sides but there were a few good signs," he said.
"A few boys lacked a bit of touch in the first game but hopefully we will improve as the year goes on."
Mansell said Bridgenorth would be a much tougher test with game winners all over the ground.
"Their midfield is as good as any and I rate Kurt McCabe as probably the best player in the competition and they have Nick McElwee and Darren Long who aren't far behind him so we certainly have a massive test this week," he said.
"And I think Josh Chugg will probably be playing and he will add another dynamic to their side."
Mansell said they would have to pressure the Parrots for four quarters, control the footy when they had it and take their chances when they came to be successful.
The Roos should go in unchanged.
BRACKNELL plays its first home game of the season against George Town looking to get its first win on the board.
Coach Gary Shipton was happy with his side's effort for three and a bit quarters against Rocherlea before they ran out of legs.
He said there were positives in the performance and hoped to win at home but expected a fired-up Saints also keen for a win.
Julian Norton is unavailable with teenager Jack Campain likely to debut as a midfielder-small forward from the under 19s.
GEORGE TOWN coach Alan Perrin said Deloraine were tough opposition first-up but was happy with his team's effort especially in the first half when they had enough possession but struggled to kick goals.
"I think our blokes learnt a lot about playing four quarters of football and we have to turn that around this week and get some goals on the board," he said.
Lee Emani should come in this week with Ben Bell going out and Patrick Brown sick.
ROCHERLEA travels to Scottsdale for a twilight match with coach Lyndon Stubbs expecting a tough test on the Magpies' home ground.
Both sides had first-up wins last week and Stubbs said his side would need to ensure it produced four good quarters.