Originally set to play for Clarence following a season in the SANFL, the 20-year-old returned to Launceston earlier this year and has played every game since round two.

He leads the competition for hit-outs and will play a key role in Launceston's trip to Lauderdale on Saturday.

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"I think Haydn Smith and Tim Auckland is a really important match-up in the game," Thorp said.

"They're both very good ruckman, very physical ruckman, and I think which one can get on top will aid the midfield supply so I think that's a really important part of the game.

"Tim has been particularly good with his ruck craft since he's come into the side. He's sort of been under-rated I suppose the season he's putting together, from a ruck craft perspective he's been outstanding."

Launceston will make one change from last week with debutant Isaac Hyatt (SATIS grand final) to be replaced by tough mid Brendan Taylor.

The 25-year-old will be a timely inclusion against a side known for fearlessly attacking the footy.

"It's a men's game when you play Lauderdale," Thorp said.

"Their strength is their ability around the stoppage and around the contest and that's something we're going to have to negate and an area of the game against Lauderdale you need to be particularly good at.

"Winning clearance at the stoppage is a strength of ours and that's where the game will be won and lost."

Lauderdale is poised to add Ben McGuinness to a side that was below its best in a loss to Clarence last week.

Assistant coach Clint Brown said the Bombers were looking forward to making amends against the "best midfield in the comp" and likened in-form Blues captain Jobi Harper to fellow Northern superstar Brad Cox-Goodyer.

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"These game are always ones our group looks forward to - we've got a good rivalry with Launceston that we've developed over the last couple of years," Brown said.

"They're probably the in-form team of the competition so it's always good to challenge yourself against the best."

Lauderdale may have struggled for consistency at times this season, but its co-captain and former AFL-listed defender Josh McGuinness hasn't.

The state under-25 captain leads the competition for rebound 50s and is thriving off the field too.

"Josh has had a really good year - it's probably not only the best football I've seen him play, but it's probably the happiest he's been for a while," Brown said.

"He's just got a real good feel about himself at the moment and that's carrying into his footy on the field - he's leading from the front and I know he's certainly got a lot of respect from the younger guys.

"You get all sorts of captains - some lead from the front on the field the way they go about it, others have a lot to say.

"Josh just goes about his business and chimes in when he needs to, but he's got a real gentle approach in the way he speaks to the players and I think that's a real positive with the way young people are these days.

"He's just an all-round good guy."

Saturday's game starts at 2pm.