Launceston's NPL coaches heaped praise on their Jarrods after banking impressive draws last week.
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While Riverside again relied on the agility of their keeper Jarrod Hill to earn a 1-1 draw with Kingborough, the versatility of Jarrod Linger was pivotal to Launceston City claiming a point off South Hobart.
In Olympic's maiden NPL Tasmania campaign, Hill has been a regular inclusion in the league's team of the week, has saved three of the four penalties he has faced and again produced some stunning blocks that enabled Chris Wademan to hit a late equaliser against the Lions at Windsor Park.
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Olympic coach Alex Gaetani's faith in his no.1 has stretched to the 18-year-old becoming vice-captain.
"He's the heartbeat of this side," Gaetani said.
"If Jarrod Hill plays well, we play well and get an opportunity to win."
Facing two trips in five days to champions elect Devonport, followed by games against teams sitting second, third and fourth to finish the season, Gaetani is remaining philosophical about his team's nightmare run-in.
He must also make do without his suspended leading scorer as Wademan's eventful spell of seven goals in as many games also included five yellow cards.
"We'll have a real crack against Devonport.
"It will be tough but we've got nothing to lose and we can worry them if we play our best."
Faced with just one more home game in their final four matches, City visit a Glenorchy side just one point above them on the ladder fresh from a left-field selection that reaped dividends against South.
Coach Lino Sciulli deployed a back three which saw striker Jarrod Linger relocated to assist regular defenders Lindsay Millington and Aaron Mattarozzi.
"Jarrod did really well back there," Sciuli said. "We know he can play full-back because he played it last year and with Lindsay and Az marking and him sweeping they did well.
"I do lots of different stupid things sometimes, but it's to counter specific opposition.
"Every game is still winnable. I cannot see why we can't beat anybody if we're up for the fight."
Round 24
Friday
8.15pm Kingborough v Hobart Zebras, Lightwood Park
Saturday
2.15pm Devonport v Riverside, Valley Road
4.15pm Glenorchy Knights v Launceston City, KGV
Sunday
2pm South Hobart v Clarence, Darcy Street
Rob Shaw
Heralding the impact of Tasmanian sport without saying "punching above its weight" is not as easy as it sounds.
Heralding the impact of Tasmanian sport without saying "punching above its weight" is not as easy as it sounds.
