BUPA TSL Round 20 Preview
The penultimate round of the season is almost upon us, with all three matches set to have a big impact on the fast-approaching finals series.
Check out all the team selections here.
Saturday 11th August
Clarence v Glenorchy – Blundstone Arena (2:00pm)
Last Time They Met: Glenorchy 12.9 (81) def. Clarence 3.10 (28) – Round 13, 2018 at KGV Oval
Form Guide (most recent first): Clarence – L L W B L | Glenorchy – W W L L B
Two rounds out from the finals and we are given a second vs third southern blockbuster – this is going to be a serious contest.
The ‘Pies and ‘Roos have both looked like genuine contenders for the premiership at times this season and after splitting the honours so far in 2018, will both be eager to build some momentum with a scalp on the eve of finals football.
The ‘Roos looked out of sorts against Launceston last weekend and will be eager to atone for not only that loss but also the round 13 loss to the Magpies earlier in the season.
Glenorchy enters this match on a high after dismantling North Hobart and the Tigers in recent weeks but a clash with the ‘Roos at Blundstone Arena looms as a different proposition.
Glenorchy’s defence has been clicking brilliantly in recent times and the ‘Roos may have some issues finding easy ways to hit the scoreboard, however the ‘Roos have a knack for grinding teams down with four-quarter performances and after being a touch more consistent over the duration of the season, will again be right in this one.
With the likes of Jake Cox, Jaye Bowden, Jeromey Webberley and Rhys Mott all on show, this match has no shortage of star power, and with second spot potentially on the line, expect these stars to rise to the occasion.
The ‘Roos look to be in a bit of a form slump however, so the Magpies may just pip their rivals and claim the Bingley-Linton Cup.
Tip: Magpies by six points.
Players to watch:
Ryan Edmondson (Clarence): Now with several senior games under his belt after a long injury lay-off, former Lindisfarne utility Ryan Edmondson looks comfortable as a key member of the Clarence back six. Will be a key asset for the ‘Roos heading into the finals.
Brayden Webb (Glenorchy): Another player returning from injury, Glenorchy skipper Brayden Webb is appearing more and more comfortable back at TSL level by the week and will be licking his lips at a southern blockbuster against the ‘Roos. A genuine star of the competition, Webb will only get better in the coming weeks.
LIVE Stream of the match via Facebook and YouTube with commentary from Brent Costelloe and Anthony Osborn
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 Lauderdale – North Hobart Oval (2:00pm)
Last Time They Met: Lauderdale 13.16 (94) def. North Hobart 8.4 (52) – Round 13, 2018 at Lauderdale Oval
Form Guide (most recent first): North Hobart – L L L L L | Lauderdale – B W L W W
The Bombers return from the bye to face the Demons in round 20, who will be looking to end the season on a high in the club’s final game of the season.
The Bombers somewhat limped into the bye with a loss to Launceston and a thrilling win over the Tigers but will be out to impress just two games out from the finals.
With a low percentage, Lauderdale will be out to firstly get the points and then look to percentage to push for a top three spot but will need to be wary of a North Hobart team with nothing to lose.
Mitch O’Neill, Sam Collins, Will Peppin, Thomas Reeves and Jake Steele headline a flurry of young Demons who have competed brilliantly throughout the season and all have the skills and class to take it up to the more experienced Bombers this weekend.
North Hobart will come all out all guns blazing against the Bombers and may stretch them early, but a Lauderdale side with so much on the line and with the likes of Phil Bellchambers, Thor Boscott, Haydn Smith and Josh McGuinness will be far too strong.
The likely returns of skipper Bryce Walsh from injury will also be huge boosts for the Bombers on the eve of finals.
Tip: Bombers by 42 points
Players to watch:
Nathan McCulloch (North Hobart): The Demons star has had a long lay-off due to concussion but is a welcome and surprising return this week. McCulloch will add grunt on the inside and polish on the outside to an inexperienced North Hobart side. Against a midfield group containing Bellchambers, Franklin and Baker, McCulloch will be a more than handy addition.
Rhys Sutton (Lauderdale): The classy wingman often goes unheralded in this Lauderdale side, but with the capacity to run all day he is an integral part of this Bomber unit and the architect for many an attacking foray.
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
Tigers v Launceston – Twin Ovals (2:00pm)
Last Time They Met: Tigers 9.4 (58) def. Launceston 6.7 (43) – Round 13, 2018 at Twin Ovals
Form Guide (most recent first): Tigers – L L B L W | Launceston – W B W W L
Beware the wounded Tiger will likely be the message from Sam Lonergan this week as the Blues look to atone for a shock loss at the Twin Ovals back in round 13, even with the Tigers coming off a big loss to Glenorchy.
The Blues are a different looking team this time around, with Chayce Jones’ class in the middle, the return of Tim Auckland, Mitch Thorp playing further afield, Dylan Riley inside 50 and the shifts of Jobi Harper and Rulla Kelly-Mansell to defence making this side almost a completely different proposition.
Tigers have been highly competitive in recent times and will come out firing after last weekend’s defeat, with Will Campbell, Sam Rice and Luke Graham all set for big games.
The loss of Lachy Clifford (broken ankle) will hurt the hosts but expect the Tigers to remain competitive for the most part before being overrun by the heavily fancied visitors.
The Blues can’t afford to take the Tigers lightly again but will enter the match full of confidence after recording three wins in a row. The Blues simply must win to stay in the hunt for a top two spot and with the team appearing to be in full flight, should account for the Tigers.
Tip: Blues by 30 points
Players to watch:
Mitch Carter (Tigers): Saturday could potentially be the second last time we ever see Mitch Carter line up in the TSL, and with the Tigers eager to help shape the makeup of the five, expect Carter to be come out firing. His laser-like kicking and incredible game awareness makes him one of the most exciting players in the competition.
Tim Auckland (Launceston): After starring for the Tassie Mariners and gaining exposure with Adelaide in the SANFL, young ruckman Tim Auckland has made an immediate impact since returning to Windsor Park, allowing Hamish Leedham to spend more time forward. Auckland’s return has changed the structure of the side, with his athleticism and skills adding another layer of class to an already formidable team.
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
