The abrupt mid-season departure of Launceston life member Sonny Whiting forced coach Sam Lonergan to make some moves that have ultimately worked wonders.
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Amid a run of four consecutive losses and wishing Whiting au revoir, the respected State League mentor reshuffled the magnets across every line to revitalise his talented group.
Among those moves was Tim Auckland into the ruck to have him and co-captain Hamish Leedham resting forward, and to reunite a bromance that has stood the test of time.
Dylan Riley went deep forward to sit behind his 2013 South Launceston premiership teammate Mitch Thorp, which freed up the Hudson Medallist to roam around from his more natural position at centre half-forward.
Chuck in tackling weapons Jack Rushton and Miller Hodge, and Glenorchy know it’s going to have to be on defensively if it’s any chance of controlling the threat at Bellerive Oval on Saturday.
Ex-Devonport and Bulldogs boss Thorp, 29, has booted 62 goals in 18 appearances in his debut season at Windsor Park, and he’s loving every minute.
“We turned the wheel seven weeks ago and with the double chance it allows us to play with some freedom,” he said.
“My favourite position is centre half-forward and to have one of my great mates in Dylan playing behind me – that synergy and connection between us has worked well.
“Over the last seven years we have created a strong friendship and we enjoy playing together, and that helps.”
Riley, 25, who was rested last week and has 16 majors to his name, spent the first half of the season patrolling half-back and running through the middle.
He said patrolling the attacking 50 was something he got used to at the Magpies, while defence was an unnatural experience.
“Mitch was getting double-teamed a fair bit so we needed to change something to free him up and I have played a lot better since,” he said.
“I’m pretty confident about our chances after last week, hopefully we can repeat it.”
Since returning from a couple of matches with Adelaide’s SANFL side in late July, Auckland has taken over the number one ruck position and played as a tall target up front.
“I’ve had a crack. I’ve never really grew up playing forward but I’m trying to hone my craft so I can give a bit to the team while I’m resting,” he said.
Hodge, a Mariner, is a third-year Blue and has been able to consolidate his position in the best 22, with four of his eight matches coming in the past month.
The 17-year-old said he is excited ahead of his maiden senior finals series, following an unsuccessful development league 2017 campaign.
“The last few weeks I’ve been playing as a high half-forward, trying to get to the back of the contest and lay tacking pressure and then hit the scoreboard,” the Scotch Oakburn student said.
“I’m getting confident in the role, but I’m slightly nervous going in.”
The match starts at 3pm.