Bupa TSL Round 9 Preview
Round nine of the Bupa Tasmanian State League season is nearing, with a fascinating southern blockbuster, the rejuvenated Demons hosting the Blues and the Tigers facing the toughest test in Tasmanian football – North Launceston at UTAS Stadium.
Saturday 26th May
Lauderdale v Glenorchy (Lauderdale Oval) – 2:00pm
Last Time They Met: Glenorchy 22.15 (147) def. Lauderdale 9.12 (66) – Round 2, 2018 at KGV
Form Guide (most recent first): Lauderdale – L L W B W | Glenorchy – B L L W W
Lauderdale enter round nine with just the two wins under their belt, and things will not get any easier coming up against an impressive Glenorchy outfit.
The southern Bombers showed signs of promise in last weekend’s Eastern Shore Derby, but inaccuracy in front of goal proved costly, kicking 13.15 to the Roos’ 16.11.
Although this skill execution hurt, the Bombers played an exciting brand of football that stretched Clarence throughout the day, with the likes of Ryan Wiggins, Phil Bellchambers, Rhys Sutton and debutant Oscar Shaw all impressing.
Glenorchy enter this match after the bye, and despite going down in the last two games they have played, are unarguably one of the teams to beat in 2018.
With Daniel Joseph and Josh Arnold patrolling the back half and a midfield group consisting of Brayden Webb, Ben Kamaric and Jaye Bowden among others, Glenorchy have some serious star power.
The Magpies’ ability to pile on scoreboard pressure through its midfield group will be difficult for the Bombers to stop, and although Lauderdale will come out firing and remain competitive, it is hard to go past Paul Kennedy’s side in this one.
Players to watch:
Jacob Gillbee (Lauderdale): The former Gold Coast Sun has threatened to explode since making his return to his junior club, but is yet to fully take a game by the scruff of the neck. With elite football nous, expect Gillbee to ask some serious questions of the Magpies.
Ben Kamaric (Glenorchy): One of the competition’s most improved players, Ben Kamaric has emerged as one of the Magpies’ most important players. With a knack for finding the football and the capacity to hit the scoreboard, the Bombers will need to pay close attention to the 20-year-old.
Score updates via the official TSL App for Android and Apple.
Updates on the TSL Facebook page, TSL Twitter account
Photos and vision on the official TSL Instagram account
North Hobart v Launceston (North Hobart Oval) – 2:00pm
Last Time They Met: Launceston 21.21 (147) def. North Hobart 2.4 (16) – Round 2, 2018 at Windsor Park
Form Guide (most recent first): North Hobart – W B L L L | Launceston – L W W W B
The Demons enter round 10 with a renewed sense of vigour after upsetting the Tigers at the Twin Ovals to register the club’s first win of the year, and first since going back to the North Hobart name.
North Hobart, who have been well serviced by young guns Samuel Caswell, Tyler McGinniss, Bailey Walker and the like all season, welcomed back Colin Garland and Hugh Williams for the clash, delivering a stunning result.
The Demons run into the Blues at possibly the worst time, however, with Launceston itching to get back on the winners list after going down to the Northern Bombers last weekend.
Launceston will enter the match without star midfielder Jay Blackberry, but have plenty of depth to cover this loss with the likes of Brodie Palfreyman, Jake Hinds and Jobi Harper all likely to stretch the Dees through the middle.
The Demons will also be scrambling to try and restrict the influence of the Blues’ potent forward line, consisting of Mitch Thorp, Jamieson House and Giacomo Millucci.
Chris Savage will be a welcome return for the Blues, particularly with this being his 100th match.
Savage will be joined by Simon Vandervelde, Millucci and Thomas Mundy as inclusions, with Rulla Kelly-Mansell, James Gillow and Jack Rushton all making way.
North Hobart will enter the match with plenty of excitement, but it is hard to see the potency of this Launceston outfit being restricted fully.
Players to watch:
Samuel Caswell (North Hobart): One of the competition’s most exciting young players, Caswell has been a shining light for the Demons this season, competing well against more experienced and developed opponents.
Jobi Harper (Launceston): Being named as the Blues’ best in his first senior game for the year, Jobi Harper is primed for a big role against the Demons this weekend. An elite midfielder with the capacity to hit the scoreboard, keep your eyes peeled for the 24-year-old.
Score updates via the official TSL App for Android and Apple.
Updates on the TSL Facebook page, TSL Twitter account
Photos and vision on the official TSL Instagram account
North Launceston v Tigers (UTAS Stadium) – 2:00pm
Last Time They Met: North Launceston 13.14 (92) def. Tigers 4.6 (30) – Round 2, 2018 at UTAS Stadium
Form Guide (most recent first): North Launceston – W W B W W | Tigers – L L L L L
The Northern Bombers are without doubt the competition’s pacesetter, and with the likes of Tom Couch, Taylor Whitford, Brad Cox-Goodyer, Tom Bennett, Zach Burt, Alex Lee, Josh Ponting and Mark Walsh at their disposal (among others), it is easy to see why.
North Launceston’s top end talent is the envy of the competition, and should prove to be too much for this inconsistent Tigers outfit.
The Tigers possess a strong midfield, with Ryan Matthews, Will Campbell and Lachy Clifford all up there with some of the competition’s best, but a lack of height inside forward 50 looks to be hurting as they continue to struggle kicking competitive scores.
Jake Doran, Nic Hutchinson and Mitch Carter will also have their hands full in defence as they try to contain Bennett, Burt and Cox-Goodyer, although Tom Couch is out for this contest.
Trent Baumeler will be after a response from his side, so expect the Tigers to come out roaring, but a test against the Northern Bombers on the road is likely going to be too much for the men in yellow and black.
Players to watch:
Jordan Cousens (North Launceston): One of the recruits of the year, Cousens has slotted seamlessly into this North Launceston side, becoming a key asset on the wing. Expect Cousens to again be a key link between defence and attack.
Samael Rice (Tigers): The Tigers’ skipper will be looking to lead from the front after a disappointing loss to the Demons. A highly skilled user, Rice’s role up and down the wing will be crucial if the Tigers are to push the Bombers on the wide expanses of UTAS Stadium.
Live broadcast on City Park Radio – 103.7 and 96.5 FM and online.
Score updates via the official TSL App for Android and Apple.
Updates on the TSL Facebook page, TSL Twitter account
Photos and vision on the official TSL Instagram account
