The TSL's senior competition isn't alone in hosting a high-stakes Northern derby on Wednesday night.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Just a stone's throw from UTAS Stadium, reigning development league premier North Launceston will, like its senior counterpart, host the only team it has lost to this year.
Wooden spooners last season, Launceston has embarked on a campaign more in line with its 2018 flag by completing the first round of fixtures unbeaten.
Coach Kane Sanders put the Blues' return to success down to increased depth.
"We've had some young kids develop from the under-18s, plus we've got some experience because the senior team got a few newer players," he said.
The Blues have been boosted by established senior ruckman Hamish Leedham, who has played all but one game, while 16-year-old Isaac Hyatt and young defenders Sam Foley, Zach Morris and Denzel McLean have all impressed.
Launceston boasts a game and 30 percentage points on its Northern rival, however, Sanders believes the Bombers remain the competition's benchmark.
"They're definitely the yardstick and the team to beat - we were lucky to get over the line last time so we'll look to improve on that performance," Sanders said.
"They're definitely the ones to beat and we'll be working hard to do that."
ELSEWHERE IN SPORT:
Northern Bombers coach Brenton Gale said his side had been steadily improving since its round two loss.
"Both teams are travelling well," Gale said.
"We see this as a really good opportunity to test ourselves against potentially the best team in the competition, see exactly where we're at and if we've made the improvements we think we have over the last month of footy.
"I've been really impressed with some of the young kids that have made an impact in our side this year - Ryley Sanders in particular has made a really big impact and also Nathan Pearce has been fantastic.
"He'd probably be averaging 30 possessions a week in the last two or three weeks of footy so they're a couple to watch out for going forward."
Wednesday's game starts at 6.30pm at Invermay Park.
Hamish Geale
Hamish Geale is a senior reporter at The Examiner. Got good news? Email: hgeale@examiner.com.au
Hamish Geale is a senior reporter at The Examiner. Got good news? Email: hgeale@examiner.com.au
