Barring North Launceston's derby upset in round eight, no-one has come closer to toppling Launceston than the ever-improving Kingborough.
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Tigers coach Trent Baumeler believes the closely-fought 26-point loss in round 10 has set up his side's middle part of the season, and positioned the club to land its highest-ever ladder finish.
With five games to play, the Tigers appear a genuine chance of securing a home final and Blues coach Mitch Thorp rates them a real threat in Saturday's round 16 clash at Kingston.
"I've been bullish on the Tigers from a long way out," Thorp said.
"We've played them down there once already, we knew how difficult that game was going to be and it was - halfway through the last quarter we were only up by three points.
"I'm really pleased to see what Trent and the Tigers have done with their football club.
"There's a lot of negativity at times around the TSL and I think they're a really great example of what can be achieved when people buy in and they train at the level appropriate."
Thorp paid tribute to the growth of Marcus Gardner, who will come head-to-head with Joe Groenewegen and Cody Thorp in the middle of the ground.
Since returning from a year in Old Scholars, the 25-year-old has missed just two games in three years and established himself as a key cog in the Tigers set-up.
"He's probably the most improved player in the competition - he's been sensational," Thorp said.
"He rarely loses a ruck hit-out but now he pushes forward with Tyler Carter going down earlier in the year and he's hitting the scoreboard.
"I think it's indicative of what they've done as a program - they've been able to get the best out of their players ... we really respect what they're doing."
Baumeler, who was happy to see his ruckman winning external praise, said an upset on Saturday would have huge ramifications for his side's season.
"We look forward to testing ourselves again this weekend at the Twin Ovals," he said.
"With five games to go, wins and losses, we're starting to jostle for those ladder positions so if Clarence can win and get a game closer and if we could as well - you start to get a game closer to second.
"I think there's going to be a fair few twists and turns over the last five weeks."
Saturday's game starts at 1pm.