Tassie Tigers have best placed the men’s state side on Saturday night for their most serious tilt at another Australian Hockey League title since the 2014 win.
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The 5-1 away victory over Queensland Blades sealed top spot in pool A to ensure the Tasmanians now play the struggling NT Stingers in the quarter-finals on Thursday.
The Tigers only required a draw to seal top spot and the easiest path towards the AHL men’s final.
The contest was level at 1-1 until the final seven minutes when the visitors put on a late burst to win.
Justin Douglas had put the Blades ahead in the 13th minute, but his conversion attempt was saved by Tassie keeper Grant Woodcock.
The save proved to be crucial with Kieron Arthur levelling right on half-time with a trademark drag flick.
It took newcomer Oliver Smith to put the Tigers ahead in the 53rd minute, although Blades keeper Cade Banditt thwarted his conversion to keep the deficit to one goal.
The Tasmanians took their pump play in the final five minutes of the game – with their goals worth double – and they capitalised when league top scorer Sam McCambridge netted in the 60th minute before converted.
Tassie’s final-round result caps off a perfect pool stage, having secured three wins from as many games.
But for the Tassie Van Demons, their season goes from bad to worse after scoring once and conceding 26 goals.
The women’s side finished bottom of their pool after a 15-0 loss to Queensland.