Launceston has five games to get its title defence right and Blues coach Alex Gibbins certainly knows it.

In the five-team statewide competition, the TSLW year builds slowly towards its expected finals crescendo. 

But after five wins from nine games in 2018 – all to top-two rivals Clarence and Glenorchy – including back-to-back losses, Launceston’s clash at Burnie is more of a test than a fait accompli.

“Simply, it will be all about getting that win – that’s all it’s about,” Gibbins said.

“I just know we are going to be heavily under strength, well undermanned. We just need to get the points.”

Gibbins’ frustrations are continuing to grow this year.

A series of niggling injuries has meant the Blues have yet to put a full-strength side out.

“We also picked up another achilles injury, so I know we won’t have a full team on Sunday,” Gibbins said.

Launceston has never had an issue overcoming Burnie in five past TSLW meetings.

The pair’s two clashes this season alone were by 82 and 72 points each. But Gibbins has found another reason not to underestimate the Dockers.

“They kicked three goals against Glenorchy in the first five minutes,” he said.

“We kicked three all game against them.”

Gibbins also said inside the changeroom there was no sign of complacency.

“We’ve just got to get back in the winners’ list. We don’t get to go in cocky – we have no right to be,” he said. The Blues have made five changes for the bout with Emma Manix-Geeves out.