Launceston ruckman Cody Thorp ruled out of TSL grand final

Challenging the match review panel's two-game ban for rough conduct in the preliminary final, Thorp was found guilty by the State League's tribunal on Wednesday night, upholding the original charge.

The tribunal found that Thorp intentionally struck Clarence's Lachlan Borsboom to the back of the head with his forearm/elbow with "sufficient force to meet state and territory guidelines threshold for low impact".

The TSL's YouTube livestream showed the incident, which left Borsboom face down on Windsor Park, sparking some heated discussion between almost half the players.

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Both players continued to play following the incident, with Thorp one of Launceston's most influential, booting three goals to establish the Blues' big lead.

Returning to football, and the Blues, this season after a two-year break, the brother of coach Mitch has been a revelation for the minor premiers.

Kicking 30 goals, including a season-high five against Clarence in the Blues' round-20 loss, the 197-centimetre talent was named on the interchange bench of the TSL team of the year, identified for his forward talent and his ability to play as a back-up ruck.

Having last played State League in 2015 for the Western Storm, Thorp played alongside middle brother Beau for Longford in 2017 before winning a flag with QFA side Maroochydore in 2018.

Sunday's 2.30pm grand final pits the Blues against North Launceston for the second consecutive season at UTAS Stadium.

Splitting victories against each other this season, the Bombers had the edge in the qualifying final a fortnight ago, earning themselves an eighth consecutive shot at the state's top premiership silverware, under new coach Brad Cox-Goodyer.