TSL: Glenorchy will bring best for Blues, says Kennedy

Battered by injuries all season, the Pies have found some of their best form in the past two months with only losses to Lauderdale and North Launceston ending a run of four wins.

Before that the Magpies suffered 89 and 26-point losses to the Blues, but Kennedy denies the visitors will enter Saturday's knock-out semi-final as favourites.

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"It's probably two games where our defensive intensity hasn't been at the level it usually is," Kennedy said.

"Launny can move the ball incredibly well, they really take the game on, they set up well ahead of the footy so they can put a heap of pressure on your defence quickly.

"It's going to be a big challenge, but our guys know we didn't put our best foot forward when we played them last time so we go in confident."

The Magpies looked like getting the better of Lauderdale at several stages last weekend, not least when ageless superstar Jaye Bowden kicked three third-term goals.

Glenorchy's favourite son added another accolade to his overflowing pool room during the week with a ninth TSL team of the year selection - in the forward pocket alongside fellow Pies Callen Daly and Aiden Grace - and looms as a key match-up for Mitch Thorp's Blues.

"We've played a couple of players [on him this year] - Jake Smith, Jack Tuthill," Thorp said.

"It depends on what part of the ground he plays - whether he plays close to goal or at half-forward, obviously he's an A-grade player so we're going to have to play someone that can defensively do the job on him.

"Aiden Grace has obviously won the Hudson Medal and Cal Daly is a good player as well so they've got plenty of weapons in front of goal."

TIME TO DECIDE:

Both sides are unchanged for Saturday's game, with Jack Donnellan named for the Blues despite copping a heavy knock to the head in last week's win over Tigers.

Thorp said his side would be confident and upbeat regardless of which personnel take to the park.

"I think we're in a good place - we've built a team from within," the 30-year-old said.

"We've got a lot of work to do having finished fourth and we're extremely respectful of Glenorchy so the old adage of one week at a time is really important for us."

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