Injury-prone Launceston coach Sam Lonergan and two youthful former Burnie stars are among several changes to the Blues’ line-up for Saturday’s Twin Ovals battle with Tigers.
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Lonergan, who injured his ankle on on his return from a hamstring injury in round 6, said he is right to go following a long recovery process.
The third-placed Blues are coming off the bye and two consecutive defeats to Lauderdale and Clarence with experienced campaigners Sonny Whiting, Sam Rundle, Jimmy Aganas, Tom Sheppard and Ben Killalea making way for Lonergan, Jared Dakin, Jake Nunn and club debutants Blair Rubock and Tom Mundy.
“I’ve got one box to tick but I’m fairly confident I will play,” Lonergan said.
“Tom has been named and withdrawn late a few times with a quad issue and he’s a hungry, competitive animal.”
“He will teach a lot of guys on the weekend… just how hard you can be at the footy when it’s your turn to go and he was nearly drafted 12 months ago so he is seriously talented.
“Blair, who is part of the Allies program, will be looking to continue his good form seen with the Mariners this season.”
Launceston prevailed by 91 points when the two sides last met in early May and the sixth-ranked Tigers have lost key names Ryan Matthews, Marcus Davies, Hugh Johnston and Piripi Reihana.
Coach Trent Baumeler has called on Micah Reynolds, Ashley Humphrey, Cameron Woolley and Mitchell Cooke to fill the void.
Defending champion NORTH LAUNCESTON has the bye.
Corey Martin
Having started at The Examiner as a cadet in 2009, I have held various positions telling the stories of Northern Tasmanians in sport and news. I was appointed deputy editor in 2019 and became editor in September 2021.
Having started at The Examiner as a cadet in 2009, I have held various positions telling the stories of Northern Tasmanians in sport and news. I was appointed deputy editor in 2019 and became editor in September 2021.
