IF the cliche “an eight-point game” is ever to be used, Saturday’s match up between Launceston and Glenorchy certainly warrants it.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The two sides and Lauderdale are locked in a three-way battle for third spot on 16 points and a 4-3 win-loss record eight rounds in.
The Magpies have lost their past three matches to Clarence, North Launceston and Lauderdale with Launceston every chance of making it four on the trot for Aaron Cornelius’ men at Windsor Park.
Blues coach Sam Lonergan has regained in-form ruckman Hamish Leedham, Mariners duo Casey Brown and Ryan Terrell, James Gillow and Brendan Taylor but has lost the experienced Josh Harris, Jack Donnellan, Cameron Downie, Miller Hodge and MacKenzie Blazely.
“I think we are going really well at the moment, one more win and we’ve equalled what we did last year,” Lonergan said.
“To be nearly at that stage mid-way through the year, the next nine games become sort of a free swing for our guys a little bit.
“This year is a foundation year for us to put some really positive things in place and that’s happened; and we’re lucky enough to be sitting four and three.”
Lonergan said his side were somewhat tired on their second-consecutive trip South against Hobart City last week but are ready to rip into the reigning premiers.
“They are a super professional team and they’ve got some good things in place, which is the reason they have been above the rest in the past couple of years,” he said.
“I expect, like any good side, for them to have ups and downs and when you go through a period like this you redeem pretty quickly and get yourself on that winning track, so I’m sure they’re going to be positive, aggressive and ready to win.
“Our young guys need to learn how to play footy under pressure [and] until we get to feel that and learn from it then we don’t actually get to be any better.”
Glenorchy assistant coach Nathan Foale has called leaders such as Rhys Mott and Jaye Bowden to guide the Pies to victory.
The Magpies have recalled Zac Webster from injury, Harrison Gunther and Harrison Pearce, while Tyler Bowden has served his two-week ban.
Foale said it is by no means “panic stations” at KGV but they want a win to get their season “back on track”.
“We knew having a look at the roster this was going to be a tough period for us, we’ve had a few injuries and obviously the Mariners as well have been out,” Foale said.
“The other sides we have played, they have really brought a game plan they have implemented really well and beaten us at some of the things we judge ourselves really harshly on and one of those is contested footy.
“We have made a concerted effort this week to try and train towards that and pick it up.” Foale said the club’s depth was being tested and pointed out Launceston’s midfield-forward strength as an area Glenorchy must navigate.
First bounce is at 2pm.
VFL SELECTION
THREE Tasmanian expats have been selected in the VFL representative squad to tackle a WAFL composite at North Port Oval on Saturday.
Former Western Storm best and fairest winner, turned Werribee midfielder, Matt Hanson will be joined by ex-St Kilda and Burnie player Eli Templeton (Port Melbourne) and former North Hobart, Greater Western Sydney Giants and Western Bulldogs defender Sam Darley (Richmond).
Darley has been named captain, while Templeton has compiled more possessions than any other player in the VFL this season to date.
The match starts at 2.10pm.