BUPA TSL Round 16 Preview
Round 16 of the Bupa Tasmanian State League is nearly upon us, with a third vs fourth blockbuster headlining proceedings.
Check out all the team selections here.
Saturday 14th July
Lauderdale v Glenorchy – Lauderdale Oval (2:00pm)
Last Time They Met: Lauderdale 14.15 (99) def. Glenorchy 9.12 (66) – Round 9, 2018 at Lauderdale Oval
Form Guide (most recent first): Lauderdale – W L W W B | Glenorchy – B W W W W
This will be huge.
Third-placed Glenorchy will travel to take on fourth-placed Lauderdale in a massive contest between two genuine flag threats, and two of the competition’s form outfits.
Both sides boast deep midfields, with the ruck contest between Haydn Smith and Cameron Duffy set to play a pivotal role in the result.
Rhys Mott was well held last time the Bombers played the Magpies, with Leo Harrison doing the job on that occasion. Expect more of the same this week, but also watch out for returning Glenorchy star Zac Webster, who after missing plenty of football, is said to be in top physical condition for his return.
With Webster firing Glenorchy are an even more potent force, but expect Phil Bellchambers and Nat Franklin to continue their impressive 2018 campaigns through the midfield.
The Magpies would have spent some time during the week pondering how best to shut down Thor Boscott, while the Bombers would have done the same in developing plans for Jaye Bowden.
With stars of the competition set to go head to head, this is a match that could go either way, but considering the irresistible form of the 2017 grand finalists and the home ground advantage, the Bombers should sneak home in a thriller.
Tip: Bombers by 12 points
Players to watch:
Nicholas Baker (Lauderdale): The former Demon is likely to play his first game as a Bomber after Mariners and Allies duties throughout the season to date. A prodigious talent, the draft hopeful will be looking to make a statement in his first senior game at Lauderdale.
Harrison Gunther (Glenorchy): As one of the competition’s form defenders, Gunther is likely to play a key role on Saturday, with his ability to intercept and lock down a key forward a crucial part of Glenorchy’s set-up.
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
Saturday 14th July
Tigers v North Launceston – Twin Ovals (2:00pm)
Last Time They Met: North Launceston 13.12 (90) def. Tigers 9.6 (60) – Round 9, 2018 at UTAS Stadium
Form Guide (most recent first): North Launceston – W W B L W | Tigers – W L W L L
North Launceston will travel to Kingston for the first time this season in round 16 after recording two hard-fought wins at home against the Tigers earlier in the year.
North Launceston enter the match two games clear atop the ladder after a thrilling one-point triumph over the Blues last Friday night, while the Tigers sit in sixth spot but have impressed in patches throughout the year, and after kicking five consecutive goals against the Bombers last time, will not be underestimated.
Will Campbell, Lachy Clifford, Mitch Carter and Blake Grant have all been in good touch for the Tigers in recent times but will face a different challenge entirely when coming up against the team with the richest depth in the competition.
Jake Doran, Nic Hutchinson and Micah Reynolds will have their hands full in defence as they try to curtail Bart McCulloch, Tom Bennett and Zach Burt, particularly with players like Brad Cox-Goodyer and Dakota Bannister also set to roll through the forward 50.
Cox-Goodyer will also be playing game 150 for the reigning premier, providing even greater motivation for the visitors.
If Hugh Johnston can continue his hot form against Alex Lee and provide silver service to Clifford, Campbell and Grant in the middle, the Tigers might be able to get on top over Mark Walsh, Taylor Whitford and Josh Ponting for periods, but it is difficult to see how the Tigers can do this consistently for the full 120 minutes.
The Northern Bombers appear to have too much depth in every key area of the game and should provide another example of why they are the team to beat in 2018, but expect the Tigers to remain competitive and continue showing the signs of growth that have made this season an encouraging one, even if this isn’t shown when looking at the ladder.
Tip: Bombers by 36 points
Players to watch:
Mitch Carter (Tigers): The star defender-cum-forward has made a home for himself as an offensive weapon in 2018, providing a focal point forward of centre. Will need to be at his best for the Tigers to compete against the competition’s top dog.
Sherrin Egger (North Launceston): One of the form players in the league, Egger proved with a stint forward of centre last week that he is more than capable of making a difference and impacting a game at either end of the ground.
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
Sunday July 15th
Launceston v North Hobart – Windsor Park (2:00pm)
Last Time They Met: North Hobart 7.2 (44) def. by Launceston 24.7 (151) – Round 9, 2018 at North Hobart Oval
Form Guide (most recent first): Launceston – L L L B L | North Hobart – L B L L L
The Blues looked to find some form against the Bombers last Friday night and will be eager to deliver a strong finish to the season with finals football on the horizon.
Having not won a game since round nine, when they last faced the Demons, Launceston’s strong start to 2018 is under threat of unravelling with the side falling behind the pace of the top two.
Last Friday night’s showing, however, suggested that the Blues might be back in town after taking it right up to the competition’s top side before falling agonisingly short late.
North Hobart on the other hand, have been gallant and shown impressive signs throughout the year, with the emergence of some exciting young talent set to hold the club in good stead moving forward,
A challenge at Windsor Park is likely going to be too much for the Demons, however, with the Blues a difficult side to tackle at home and several of the Demons’ most exciting young players set to miss through U16 state representation.
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of this match, however, is the returns of two under-18 All-Australian representatives, Chayce Jones (Launceston) and Mitch O’Neill (North Hobart), with the prospect of these two going head to head a tantalising one.
The likes of Dylan Riley, Jobi Harper and Brodie Palfreyman – who will be playing his 50th game for the club – all look primed for big games after solid form in recent weeks, with Riley and Harper showing their versatility in a variety of positions last weekend.
The Demons have also been dealt a big blow, with young key defender Bailey Walker missing after being concussed in the round 15 loss to the Tigers. Walker did an exceptional job on Launceston spearhead Mitch Thorp last time and his absence will leave a big hole in defensive 50.
Expect the Blues’ class and prime movers to be at the forefront and for the hosts to record a comfortable victory, but not one without pressure from the young Demons.
Tip: Blues by 42 points
Players to watch:
Chayce Jones (Launceston): The Mariners skipper has been in impressive touch in 2018, leading Tasmania from the front and impressing for the Allies, earning All-Australian selection. The draft hopeful will immediately assume a key role in the Blues’ midfield.
Mitch O’Neill (North Hobart): Another All-Australian representative from the 2018 U18 National Championships, O’Neill is also likely to play his first senior game of the season. A classy user and ferocious tackler, expect him to thrive.
City Park Radio live broadcast available on 103.7 FM 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
