BUPA TSL Round 2 Back of the Week

Round two of the Bupa Tasmanian State League finished is done, with Glenorchy, North Launceston and Launceston all registering big wins.

We want to know who you considered to be the premier defenders, midfielders and forwards of the round.

In this edition we are taking a look at backmen, with Glenorchy’s Daniel Joseph and Launceston Blue Joe Boyce the two contenders.

Daniel Joseph (Glenorchy)

Daniel Joseph has slotted back into life in the black and white. IC: Solstice Digital & Photography

It didn’t take Glenorchy’s Daniel Joseph long to settle back into life as a Magpie, being adjudged as one of the best afield in Glenorchy’s emphatic win over Lauderdale at KGV.

Joseph, who has spent recent seasons playing for Aspley in the NEAFL, has returned to his former club in style, being adjudged best afield in a big Glenorchy victory.

Joseph combined well with Josh Arnold across half back to nullify Lauderdale’s forward line, while also providing plenty of bounce out of defence with precision kicking and good decision making.

Now 24, Joseph provides plenty of leadership to this Glenorchy outfit and will be looking to continue the good form that saw him win the Aspley best and fairest award last year, and be named best on ground in his first game back in Tasmania.

Joe Boyce (Launceston)

Much has been made of Launceston’s firepower in front of goal, and justifiably so after registering a 131-point win over the weekend, but the impressive performance of Launceston’s defensive unit should also not be understated.

Joe Boyce in action for the Blues last season. IC: Solstice Digital & Photography

Joe Boyce was at the forefront of this for the Blues, patrolling the back half brilliantly alongside Dylan Riley and Jimmy Aganas.

Boyce found plenty of the football and used it well to provide plenty of drive out of the back half, linking up well with midfield guns Jack Donnellan, Brodie Palfreyman, Sam Rundle and Jay Blackberry. Boyce was named second best for the Blues, underlining the vital role he played in the side’s first win for 2018.

The Blues only conceded 16 points for the match, underlining their disciplined defensive structures, and the capacity for the likes of Boyce to play defensive roles while simultaneously providing drive and run makes Launceston a dangerous proposition.