Top of the table is up for grabs as a battle-scarred Hillwood travels to George Town in the first full round of NTFAW fixtures.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Sharks lost Makayla White and Khama Beeton (ruptured Achilles) in the opening half-hour of their win over Bridgenorth, while co-captain Courtney Stanley played out the game "on one leg".
All three will miss Saturday's 2.20pm fixture with midfielders Janaha Beeton and Caris Britton among the replacements.
"We limped over the line so we've got a few out this week," coach Dwayne Beeton said.
"It'll be a big game - George Town's improved out of sight by the look of them.
"Their playmaker's obviously Jodie Clifford, so we'll be watching her closely."
Shield premier SCOTTSDALE will open its season with an 11.05am fixture at Bridgenorth.
The Magpies played just one gala match following a Launceston forfeit, but had good service from captain Alex Hall, Maggie Cuthbertson and Georgie Dare against Old Launcestonians as Paige McLennan starred in a new role at centre half-back.
"We really respect Bridgenorth and think they're going to be high on the ladder this year," Scottsdale coach Cabel Hall said.
"We think we're going to be competitive, but we know that the competition's gone to another level this year and we need to improve to be somewhere near the top."
SOUTH LAUNCESTON will host Deloraine as the league newcomers look to build on their first-round loss to George Town.
After winning both their gala matches, the Bulldogs will be a tough proposition with new trio Lucy Sulzberger, Ellie Woods and Dakotah Leary impressing in pre-season and veterans Hannah Viney and Kate Child looking as strong as ever.
"We've got really good numbers so we'll have a few girls who'll sit out this week but we're not far away from full-strength," South coach Lenny Towns said.
MORE FOOTBALL: Ex-Launceston star making waves in VFLW
Andrew Boyd expects a tough challenge as EVANDALE shoots for a 2-0 start at Old Launcestonians.
The Eagles came from two goals down to snare a five-point win over Meander Valley but will need to be at their best against a "well-drilled" Blues side.
"There wasn't one player on the field that didn't do their part," Boyd said.
"The girls were up and about and excited for it and it got them pretty keen to get into the next week."
LONGFORD recruits Selina Herring and Courtney Wells will play against their old side Meander Valley in the Tigers' NTFAW debut.
Michael Boyack's Tigers led at half time of their gala clash with George Town with Alanah Boyack and Jade Nichols leading the team well in battle.
"The way we played against George Town ... we're going to be competitive against the lower sides," Boyack said.
ROUND 2 FIXTURES
- Launceston v Old Scotch (11am, Windsor Park)
- Bridgenorth v Scottsdale (11.05am, Bridgenorth)
- Old Launcestonians v Evandale (12.30pm, Invermay Park)
- South Launceston v Deloraine (1pm, Youngtown)
- George Town v Hillwood (2.20pm, Blue Gum Park)
- Longford v Meander Valley (4pm, Longford)