Bupa TSL ANZAC Day Match Preview

Round five of the Bupa Tasmanian State League gets underway with a blockbuster ANZAC Day clash between Tigers and Glenorchy at Kingston’s Twin Ovals. Here’s what you need to know ahead of the big clash!

Wednesday 25^th April

Tigers v. Glenorchy (Twin Ovals) – 3:00pm

Last Time They Met: Tigers 8.8 (56) def. by Glenorchy 16.13 (109) – Round 20, 2017 at Twin Ovals

Form Guide (most recent first): Tigers – L B L W | Glenorchy – W W W B

This ANZAC Day rivalry continues to gather momentum heading into the 2018 season, with this match looming as a crucial one for both outfits.

Glenorchy enter the round unbeaten and full of confidence with a host of stars flying high.

Tigers enter the clash with a 1-2 win-loss record after going down to Lauderdale in round four, but the side has shown across the opening few rounds that its best football is capable of putting any side under pressure.

The midfield battle will be a fascinating one with Glenorchy stars Brayden Webb, John Geard and Jaye Bowden and Tiger trio Lachy Clifford, Will Campbell and Ryan Matthews all built for the big stage.

The Tigers will be up against in when trying to curtail the influence of Glenorchy’s dynamic forward line, but with Mitch Carter, Jake Doran and young gun Nic Hutchinson all in good form, the Tigers will face the challenge with belief.

The hosts will also have extra incentive, with captain Samael Rice and Luke Graham both set to play their 50th matches for the club.

Both sides will be without stars, however, with Rhys Mott’s two-match suspension and Marcus Davies’ injury seeing two of the competition’s guns missing from the match.

With immense firepower right across the ground and some red hot form to boot, Glenorchy will rightfully go into this clash as favourites and should come away with the chocolates, but expect the Tigers to take it right up to the Magpies in what promises to be a hard-fought contest.

Players to watch:

Lachlan Clifford (Tigers): Much has been made of the Tigers’ high-profile recruits in Will Campbell and Ryan Matthews, but former Mariners captain and emerging star Lachy Clifford’s role within this side shouldn’t be understated. A fearless midfielder with a knack for accumulating plenty of the football, Clifford is built for the biggest stage.

Mitch Rainbird (Glenorchy): Rainbird has kicked six goals across his opening three matches of 2018, providing a dangerous presence inside forward 50 when he isn’t impacting the game as a midfielder. Rainbird is a difficult match-up due to his versatility and expect him to again play a key role in this ANZAC Day blockbuster.