Summer Recruitment Paying Off For Tough Roos

Saturday’s outing at the Twin Ovals between Clarence and Kingborough may not have been the prettiest game of the TSL Season, but it was another example of the tough brand of footy that the Roos are producing, writes TSL Digital Reporter Josh Duggan. 

Bundled out of the finals in straight sets last year, Clarence went back to the drawing board, and their extensive summer recruitment has continued to pay dividends.

The match on Saturday was a tough sloppy contest in wet and cold conditions, but Clarence stood up to them far better than their yellow and black counterparts, dominating the territory game and controlling the game in their forward half.

On a day where goals weren’t taken for granted with both sides kicking inaccurately and Tigers registering only one major, Clarence’s repeat entries into forward 50 were key.

Coach Jeromey Webberley was particularly pleased with this area of the game after the match.

“Our boys fought with endeavour and were able to lock the ball deep inside our half for extended periods of time; if we had the inside 50s and time in forward half on hand, we’d be well in front.

“Our forwards all have good speed and their big bodies, and they’re all really good at locking the ball in – today they were extremely good and obviously, the conditions helped as well,” Webberley said.

The ability to control the game in that manner was the direct result of the bruising style of footy that the Roos are building, and some players new to the club this year were among the best.

Big man Ryan Bailey was hugely influential all across the ground, but particularly in the ruck contest for a second week running, while Fletcher Seymour kicked two goals and was also named amongst the team’s best after only making the move from OHA to Clarence in the off season, with former William Leitch Medalist Troy Cunliffe also continuing his strong start to life in the red and white after crossing from Lindisfarne.

With a long injury list, depth in the playing group has been key to a great run of form that has them sitting at 4-2 after seven rounds, with some impressive wins including over the previously unbeaten Glenorchy last weekend.

After also challenging North Launceston in round four, the ‘Roos are gunning for one of the top spots on the ladder again, as the playing group aims to have another taste of finals footy.

“As long as we continue to grow, which we’ve done over the first six games – we’ve got a lot of work to do, don’t get me wrong – but it is starting to tick our way which is nice, and the guys are getting rewarded for their effort,” Webberley said.

The ‘Roos will travel to Lauderdale in round eight before having the bye in round nine.

Tigers                                  0.2,  0.3,  1.5,  1.8  (14)

Clarence                                0.2,  4.9,  6.10,  8.17  (65)

GOALS:

Tigers – R. Matthews

Clarence – F. Seymour 2, A. Dickenson 2, H. Richmond, C. Nield, J. Webberley, J. Cox

BEST:

Tigers – H. Johnston, L. Watt, B. Grant, M. Carter, S. Rice, T. Carter

Clarence – R. Bailey, J. Cox, F. Seymour, J. Harper, A. Dickenson, T. Hanslow