Bupa TSL Round 8 Forward of the Week
Round eight of the Bupa Tasmanian State League season saw the Demons break through for their first win of the season, North Launceston stamp its authority as the competition’s premier outfit and Clarence bounce over the Bombers in the Eastern Shore derby.
After such a big round of action, we want to know who you considered to be the round’s standout defender, midfielder and forward.
Two former Melbourne Demons played crucial roles in TSL triumphs over the weekend, both displaying terrific leadership and football influence to register important victories.
Tom Couch (North Launceston)
The North Launceston premiership coach continued his hot return to the club, booting five goals, including three in the second term.
Couch had nine scoring shots all up, while also setting up a further three goals in a dominant display that saw him float between full forward and the midfield.
Having played just three matches so far this season, Couch already has two three votes games up his sleeve in the chase for the RACT Insurance Player of the Year award, underlining his class.
Couch’s role within the Northern Bombers set-up may only be part-time, but his influence looks to be so much more.
Colin Garland (North Hobart)
The return of 140-game Melbourne veteran Colin Garland to his junior club of North Hobart was much anticipated, and he lived up to the hype.
Garland, playing in just his second game of football for nearly 18 months, slotted straight back into it, playing primarily as a key forward for the young Dees.
North Hobart had been crying out for a big target inside forward 50 across the opening six games and got their wish with Garland, who competed tirelessly in the win.
Although two goals don’t immediately jump out off the page, Garland’s influence on the contest was hard to deny, with his expertise and competitiveness proving crucial in a historic victory.
