The Blues watched with interest last weekend as Lauderdale's fourth loss in five games gave Glenorchy a two-game buffer in third, cementing the TSL's final five and ending hopes of a Launceston double chance.

But if coach Mitch Thorp was disappointed to have missed out, he didn't show it.

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"If you had told me at the start of the year we'd have 10 wins in the bank and have qualified for a home final I'd have taken it in a heartbeat," Thorp said.

"The boys have done a tremendous job, they've been head down bum up since the first day of pre-season and we are very excited about having a home final.

"The club hasn't had a home final in 11 years so while everyone would love a double chance, we're really excited about the opportunity we've got to play at home in front of our home supporters and be in the race for the grand final."

Both sides named strong outfits for Saturday's elimination final rehearsal, with Tim Bristow recovering from a knock against Clarence and Thorp returning from a niggly knee.

Young tall Sam Bruinewoud's inclusion for Jayden Hinds is the Blues' only change as the home side looks to extend its season record over the Tigers to 3-0.

"One week leading into a finals series we need to make sure this week is a strong performance," Thorp said.

"I've got no doubt there'll be some cat and mouse played from both sides, but for us we need to make sure we have a strong performance so we're razor-sharp come the first week.

"Don't worry, we're trying to win this week. We'll try all we can to get to 11 wins in the home and away season - which is far and beyond where we were expected to be and probably where we had ourselves - so that's important for us to finish the home and away season strong."

ELSEWHERE IN SPORT

Tigers coach Trent Baumeler, who recalled Lachlan Clifford, Blake McCulloch and Connor Bryant for three outgoing Devils, said his side would treat the next fortnight as a two-game series.

"It's definitely not cue in the rack, try and play bruise-free footy," he said.

"We've got to want to get some momentum and have a good performance on that ground knowing that we're going back there the week after."

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