Launceston Tornadoes face Geelong in cut-throat SEABL preliminary final

There are no second chances for the Torns following their 81-71, semi-final defeat to Kilsyth last weekend.

A victory over the Lady Supercats will send them into a grand final rematch with the Cobras the following week while a defeat will mean a disappointing straight sets exit from their 2016 finals campaign.

Tornadoes coach Reece Potter is aware of the challenge facing his team against a talent-laden Geelong.

“The Supercats boast without doubt the deepest and most experienced team in the SEABL competition with stars such as Sara Blicavs, Alex Bunton, Alex Duck and Rohanne Cox,” Potter said.

“I am really happy with the opportunity to play at home in a final in probably the biggest game the club has had since 2010 and I definitely think we are a great chance to get to that conference final and if we get another shot at Kilsyth we can beat them.

“We let ourselves down with a lack of discipline on both the offensive and defensive ends but I am sure we can pull ourselves together and be ready for a do or die final this Saturday.”

The Tornadoes beat the Supercats in round 4 by two points but suffered their first home loss of the season to Geelong in round 17 going down by seven points.

“We know it’s do or die but we definitely plan on winning and we have a few things to fix up but we can be a lot better than we were on Saturday,” Potter said. “We are still a title contender and have a group that is right there and can go the whole way – we just need to put the show on Saturday night.”

The Tornadoes are expecting a vocal, capacity crowd to cheer them on for their last home game this year with so much on the line given that both teams are playing for a grand final berth.

Tickets must be bought online through www.launcestontickets.com.au to guarantee entry to the game.

READ MORE: Page 46