BUPA TSL Round 3 Forward of the Week

Round three of the Bupa Tasmanian State League saw the Blues push a case for being a premiership fancy, Clarence storm back into form after the bye and the Magpies cause an upset win over the reigning premier.

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 the forwards with two of the competition’s most exciting players the contenders. Honourable mentions go to Glenorchy’s Mitch Rainbird after a three-goal effort and North Launceston big man Tom Bennett, who kicked three in his side’s loss to Glenorchy.

Sonny Whiting (Launceston)

The mercurial Launceston goalsneak was at his creative best against the southern Bombers, kicking four goals, including three in the final term to put the end result beyond doubt.

**Sonny Whiting in action for Launceston last season. IC: Solstice Digital & Photography**

Whiting continually pushed himself into dangerous positions, creating opportunities for his teammates and making the most of his own when they arose.

Whiting’s four goal haul takes him to eight for the season, second only to teammate Mitch Thorp in the competition’s Peter Hudson medal race early in the season.

With Whiting combining with the likes of Thorp, Rulla Kelly-Mansell and young gun Jack Rushton, Launceston have a forward line that will keep opposition backmen and coaches awake at night.

Jake Cox (Clarence)

**Jake Cox in action against Lauderdale in round one. IC: Solstice Digital & Photography**

Jake Cox oozed class in another dynamic early season performance.

Cox kicked three goals in the Roos’ win over North Hobart, with his ability to move between the middle of the ground and the forward 50 crucial in deciding the result.

Combining an impressive aerial prowess with the ability to find space at ground level, Cox is a difficult match up and one the Demons simply had no answer for.

Described by coach Jeromey Webberley as one of the best players in the state after his round one efforts, Cox enhanced his standing as one of the most important members of this Clarence outfit against the Demons, and such ominous early season form indicates that he will be a key player throughout the 2018 season.