Coach Taylor Whitford will hope to emulate last year’s path to glory with a second semi-final win at home on Saturday.

They only difference will be the opponent, with 2016 champions Glenorchy replacing Lauderdale in 2018.

The heavyweight bout will be the the Northern Bombers’ second game in a month following a bye in the penultimate round and watching from the sidelines during week one of the finals series. However, Whitford isn’t fussed by his charges’ lack of game time.

“I’ve been impressed with the way the group has gone about it,” he said.

“They understand how to train well to a high standard, and if we do that, it will give us the best chance.

The three previous match-ups this year have resulted in blow outs.

Paul Kennedy’s Pies defeated a illness-struck North by 52 points at UTAS Stadium in round 3, while the Bombers prevailed by 62 and 37 points respectively at KGV Oval.

“I’d be very surprised if the game pans out that way again,” Whitford said.

“They’re a side that is well-coached and I thought the way that PK coached against Launceston was fantastic.

“They don’t have any out-and-out stars in their side but their young guys are playing well together as a group which is dangerous.”

Bombers defender Arion Rictcher-Salter will be missing, after copping a two-week ban in the final round for striking the groin of Thor Boscott.

Whitford said his back line would need a slight tweak with competition number 1 stopper Jay Foon still sidelined with a broken neck. “We can’t control it and one soldier will go out, while another one comes in,” he said.

“We will look at who plays that position as he is a quality player.

“We’ve got options with Jack Avent down there, Zach Burt, Connor Young, Sherrin Egger and Fletcher Bennett down there.”

Whitford said Tom Couch, who has been in the US on Tennis Australia duties, would be included in a squad for the 3.30pm match on Saturday.