A scintillating third-term display saw the Blues bolt to a 41-point lead early in the last quarter – tantalisingly close to the 50-point margin that would have seen them host next week’s second-chance final.

But Glenorchy had other ideas, kicking five goals in 10 minutes to cut the margin to less than two goals with 10 minutes to go.

Mitch Walker and Jaye Bowden both had opportunities to bring the second-placed Magpies within a kick, but the Blues held on to win 13.7 (85) to 11.10 (76).

“It was pretty much a replicated game of last time we played Glenorchy when we won by a point,” Launceston coach Sam Lonergan said. 

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“The last five to 10 minutes was a nail-biting finish and guys probably just needed to be a bit more relaxed and controlled with the footy and probably save themselves two or three goals and a lot less defensive running in that last quarter.

“So we’ve got a lot to learn from that game and the boys will look forward to next week.”

The third quarter proved a ready-made highlights reel, but would have left purists shaking their heads as five Launceston goals went through courtesy of an unguarded goalsquare.

Brendan Taylor set the standard with a running right-foot checkside from the wrong pocket, and Hamish Leedham defied his height soon after to snag a crumbing forward’s goal. 

Jobi Harper and Mitch Thorp converted their second goals from open play but it was Chayce Jones’ effort midway through the term that got the crowd off their feet.

Sprinting from the wing, the AFL draft hopeful shared a one-two with Jack Rushton before picking the ball up inside the boundary line, blind turning an opponent and snapping truly from 25m.

Rushton kicked three goals, including a running shot on the left from 50m, and won praise from Lonergan.

“Rushton was fantastic, we threw him on the ball in the last five minutes to give us a bit of bite around the contest and he certainly gave that, he put his head over the ball and won some key clearances.

“Chayce Jones was elite today – his goal started at half-back and he finished it off in the pocket.

“That was a contender for goal of the year I would have thought and an example of what a player Chayce is and the kind of clips he can produce.”

Ryan Tyrell was solid down back for the Blues, while North-West talent Jamieson House showed plenty in the second half and provided a strong body through the middle of the ground.

Classy defender Daniel Joseph played another cracking game for the Magpies, patrolling the half-back line with Harrison Gunther and getting forward in the last term to kick a goal.

Gunther was sent to Mitch Thorp when Josh Grant went down just after half-time, and Thorp suffered his own woes late in the game with a knock to the knee.

The TSL’s leading goalkicker is expected to be fine for next week’s final, which will be held at Bellerive Oval. 

The match will be Launceston and Glenorchy’s third meeting in two months.