NTFA Premier Division: Key clash in shorter round

SOUTH LAUNCESTON come into their Longford clash following a heavy defeat to Hillwood with Aaron Viney complimentary of the Sharks' work.

"They have class all over the ground and are the best in the competition from what I've seen," he said.

"Now we face the side on top of the ladder in a tough fortnight for us. They are young and full of confidence but we know what we need to do, it's just about bringing it on game day."

Bowen Pearce, Cody Linger and Brad Etchell return with Daniel Johnston and Sam Page making way.

The Tigers will look to head into Saturday's clash with an unchanged line-up but remain alert about South Launceston's potential on a heavy Longford deck.

"South have been very strong over the last three to four years with some experienced heads and this game is key for their season," coach Beau Thorp said.

"We are wary of them and respect them immensely but are confident heading into this week."

ELSEWHERE IN SPORT

Fresh off their strong Bulldogs win, HILLWOOD coach Nathan Lowe is upbeat heading into their clash with Bracknell.

"It's really good to see the boys back enjoying their footy again and showing improvement over the last few weeks," he said.

Anticipating a wet and heavy contest against the Redlegs, an unavailable Patrick Rodman makes way for Brady Squires.

"With the wet ground it becomes an even playing field and comes down to who wants the ball the most on a Saturday."

Bracknell coach Andrew Philpott also predicted a wet and heavy surface for the encounter as the Redlegs look to improve their future prospects.

"We have some unavailabilities but we are going to put our best available team on the park. Hillwood have been hot and cold recently but they look like they've hit form again," he said.

"It's now about getting our young fellas into the game. It's been one of my main aims all year and now we have to look towards the future."

With his side sitting at at only a slight mathematical chance at making finals, SCOTTSDALE coach Geoff Mohr is trying desperately to make something work as they face Bridgenorth.

"We played better last week but didn't get the result so we don't really know where we are at," he said.

"We've just got to try and get something to work so we are trying to give some younger blokes a chance at senior footy and start looking to the future."

The Parrots come into the Magpie clash after a tough showing against Longford and will be looking for a four-quarter effort after a lapsing second quarter against the Tigers.

Rhys Petterwood injured his hand in a freak accident with the Parrot Park fence last week and will miss after scoring an impressive opening goal in the first five minutes of last week's game.

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