TSL: Richter-Salter returns early, Launceston switch ruckmen

At North Launceston, Arion Richter-Salter's return after self-isolation came a round earlier than expected with fellow premiership defender Ben Simpson and ex-AFL tall Bart McCulloch among the outs.

Meanwhile, Launceston looks set to deploy Tim Auckland as a lone ruckman with 100-gamer Hamish Leedham named as an emergency, while Michael Musicka and Jack Tuthill will play for the first time this season.

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Northern Bombers survive late scare

Arguably the two biggest players in off-season transfers, the Blues and Northern Bombers were rusty but victorious in the opening round.

Blues coach Mitch Thorp said both clubs' recruits would need time to settle in.

"They're very strong on paper, you mention some of the lads they brought in over the off-season - [Tom] Bennett, [Mark] Walsh, [Zach] Burt, [Corey] Nankervis - they're all premiership players at the North Launny footy club so they're very strong," Thorp said.

"We're pleased with some of the boys we've brought in - [Jake] Hinds and [Jamieson] House in particular last week were in our best few players.

"We'll add a couple more this week and there's some decisions we need to make to pick our best 22 and take the game head-on on Saturday."

North Launceston won all three of last season's derbies by 30-plus points, with gun midfielder Josh Ponting among the best on all three occasions.

Thorp conceded Ponting, Brad Cox-Goodyer and coach Taylor Whitford were match-winners but said the Bombers' younger brigade were equally worthy of attention.

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"Jackson Callow is one that we've really got to put some work into, he's an outstanding young talent," Thorp said.

"There's a lot made about their experienced players, but some of their younger guys like Fletcher Bennett and Ollie Sanders played really well last week.

"So our attention to detail on their younger guys needs to be there and not just focus on their top-enders that have been there over the last five or six years.

"We think their young crop of players are really talented and we need to put some time into them."

Whitford said the Northern Bombers had taken plenty from their 10-point round one win over North Hobart.

The 28-year-old, five-time premiership player was pleased with his side's contested footy and defence, but highlighted ball movement from half-back as a focus for this week.

He said his four returning NTFA stars would be better for the hit-out.

"I thought their effort you couldn't fault - our two forwards Zach Burt and Tom Bennett were super enthusiastic and made every contest, they were just a little bit rusty," he said.

"Corey Nankervis was really good behind the footy and took some really good marks and intercepted quite well.

"It's tough going back to NTFA footy and coming back into the TSL program - I think it shows the difference between the two leagues."

ROUND 2

Launceston v North Launceston

Windsor Park, Saturday, 2pm

LAUNCESTON

NORTH LAUNCESTON