Launceston has suffered only its second loss in nearly two years, falling to Glenorchy.
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The once invincible Blues machine went on a 16-game winning run last season until underdogs Clarence caused an epic three-point boilover win in the TSLW grand final.
But Saturday's defeat at KGV Oval was the Blues' second defeat in their last four games.
Glenorchy powered away in the final term to collect a stirring 5.3 (33) to 1.2 (8) victory.
"The game was really going to be our first test and a chance to see where we were at," Launceston coach Angela Dickson said.
"Glenorchy executed its skills very well, made the most of its opportunities, we didn't and in the end, they were the better side."
After building up a winning culture under Dickson's reign last year, the Blues had been exposed by three final-quarter goals to nil after trailing by seven points at the break.
But the playing coach does not believe the squad is vulnerable for the first time since a 2018 preliminary final loss to the Magpies.
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"That is something we've earned in that we've worked hard to get the wins," she said.
"We've always been a very well-drilled side and, I think, Glenorchy this year is just a very different side.
"They've obviously gone with some youth, they're a lot quicker, they've picked up some good players in the offseason and it worked out for them."
Makenna Hillier's defensive pressure in defeat paid off, scoring the Blues' only goal after a run down tackle in the second term.
"She was relentless all day and she gives it her all week in, week out," Dickson said.
Daria Bannister was forced to take the hits to attract tacklers all to benefit the team.
The only other thing Dickson took out of the game was stating the shock result was "not the end of the world by any means".
"But for the coaching staff, it gives us the opportunity when push comes to shove to see who's willing to go that extra mile to put in the extra efforts and who's not," she said.
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