Bupa TSL Preliminary Final Preview
A spot in the 2018 Bupa TSL Grand Final is on the line for the winner of this blockbuster clash between Glenorchy and Lauderdale.
Who will win through and book a chance at premiership glory?
Preliminary Final
Glenorchy v Lauderdale – Blundstone Arena (5:00pm)
Head to Head in 2018: Glenorchy – 1 | Lauderdale – 2
Round 2, 2o18 at KGV Oval: Glenorchy 22.15 (147) def. Lauderdale 8.12 (60)
Round 9, 2018 at Lauderdale Oval: Lauderdale 14.15 (99) def. Glenorchy 9.12 (66)
Round 16, 2018 at Lauderdale Oval: Lauderdale 16.14 (110) def. Glenorchy 6.15 (51)
With a Bupa TSL Grand Final spot riding on the result of this encounter, prepare to buckle up and enjoy an entertaining spectacle.
Lauderdale and Glenorchy are two of the competition’s most combative outfits, with both teams boasting gamebreakers that are more than happy to take it up to the opposition – think the likes of Boscott and Rainbird.
The Magpies will be looking for answers to cover the loss of Jaye Bowden inside 50, as although plenty of contributors stood up after the star went down against Launceston, they struggled to kick a substantial score against North Launceston, managing just the five goals.
The Magpies’ forward group will also need to try and shut down the influence of Bomber star Josh McGuinness, who ran amok alongside his brother Matt in last weekend’s decisive victory.
Glenorchy will be stinging after being jumped out of the blocks early (conceding eight goals to none) last weekend, so expect the Magpies to bring the heat from the start.
The Bombers, on the other side, look to be riding a serious wave of momentum after 58-point and 72-point drubbings of Clarence and Launceston respectively.
Lauderdale’s multi-pronged forward set-up, much akin to that of Richmond in the AFL, contains many a dangerous asset, with the likes of Jacob Gillbee, Tim Mosquito, Henry Kerinaiua, Ed Stanley and Alex Hill (when forward) capable of kicking a bag.
If there is one defensive unit capable of shutting this down, however, it is Glenorchy; with Josh Arnold, Harrison Gunther, Josh Grant and Daniel Joseph forming one of the stingiest defences in the game, although the fitness of Josh Grant will be a big talking point after missing the first two finals.
If Glenorchy can shut down Lauderdale’s slingshot style of ball movement, then the Magpies will fancy their chances, but if the Bombers can move the ball as they please, we may be in for a second straight all-Bomber Grand Final.
Also keep your eyes on Lauderdale skipper Bryce Walsh, who has been named named for his return from injury, despite most fearing that his season was over. If Walsh is fit and firing, the Bombers will receive a huge boost.
Players to Watch:
Zac Webster (Glenorchy): The former Hawthorn player has had an injury-interrupted two seasons back at KGV, but when he is fit and firing, there are few better to watch. A classy operator with silky skills, Webster can slice and dice opposition sides with his precise ball movement and footy smarts. If Webster can get off the chain, the ‘Pies will fancy their chances.
Rhys Sutton (Lauderdale): The silky wingman is reaching near career-best form in the back half of the 2018 season, with his ability to find space on the wide expanses of Blundstone Arena set to make him a key figure. Often the link-up player between defence and attack, Sutton’s class and skill makes him a player to keep a close eye on.
Key Match-Ups:
Cameron Duffy v Haydn Smith
Two of the competition’s best ruckmen will go head to head on the big stage, with Duffy’s agility and Smith’s physicality set to make for an absorbing tussle. Both players cover the ground well, and with strong midfields at their feet, the winner of this contest could prove to be a match-winner.
Josh Arnold v Thor Boscott
Thor Boscott’s explosiveness and ability to do the mercurial is well known, and as part of a dynamic forward set up, is likely to cause the Magpies some headaches. If there is one player capable of curbing Boscott’s influence, however, it is Glenorchy defensive general Josh Arnold. One of the most consistent and respected defenders in the TSL, expect Arnold to go toe-to-toe with Boscott whenever the star Bomber is inside 50.
Rhys Mott v Phil Bellchambers
Two of the competition’s best midfielders will go head to head in the middle of the ground in a contest that could go a long way to determining the result. Mott and Bellchambers, both selected in the 2018 Team of the Year, are different players but equally damaging, with Mott’s laser-like kicking and capacity to accumulate the football his biggest strengths, while Bellchambers’ key assets are his strength and explosiveness in and away from stoppages.
Tip: Lauderdale to make it a Battle of the Bombers in the decider for a second straight season, with its stars to rise to the occasion and be too much for the Magpies to handle. Bombers by 15 points.
HOW TO FOLLOW
LIVE Stream of the match via YouTube with commentary from Chris Rowbottom, Brent Costelloe and Cam Brown.
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
