PREVIEW: Magpies, Tigers playing for Fred House Perpetual Trophy
A huge week of Bupa Tasmanian State League action gets underway on Thursday when Glenorchy takes on Tigers FC in an ANZAC Day blockbuster at 3pm!
TSL Digital Reporter Grant Jessup previews the clash with both sides competing for the annual Fred House memorial trophy.
Last time they met: Tigers FC 9.8 (62) def. by Glenorchy 21.11 (137) – Twin Ovals, Round 19 2018.
The Magpies made a strong start against the Tigers, kicking six goals to zero in the first term. Despite a better showing from the Tigers in the second quarter, the Magpie army marched on, running away 75-point winners in a dominant display.
Josh Arnold, Rhys Mott, Callen Daly, Jaye Bowden and Mitch Rainbird were amongst the best for the visitors. Tyler Carter, Hugh Johnston and William Campbell were solid contributors for the hosts, with Carter kicking four majors.
Glenorchy
Glenorchy will head into the contest as favourites after a strong start to the season.
The Magpies remain undefeated this year, easily accounting for Launceston, North Hobart and Clarence before having the bye last week.
Magpie superstars Ben Kamaric, Rhys Mott, Sam Rundle and the Webb brothers are on fire in the midfield, dominating centre clearances in their opening three contests.
Glenorchy’s forward line is also causing plenty of headaches for opposition sides with Jaye Bowden, Callen Daly and young gun Aiden Grace in terrific form.
Key defender Harrison Gunther has been a rock in the backline while defenders Josh Arnold and Tim Butterworth have been solid all season.
Glenorchy have made no changes to the Round three team that dominated Clarence.
Magpie Chris McKnight is set to play his 100th game for the black and white army.
Players to watch:
Aiden Grace – The young gun has been a dangerous addition to the Magpie’s forward line.
Grace has made significant contributions to the scoreboard, kicking at least four goals for Glenorchy in every game they have played this year.
Shutting down the young forward might be crucial to the Tigers’ chances.
Harrison Gunther – The key defender has made an impressive start to the season, taking plenty of intercept marks in the defence.
Gunther’s ball use across half-back has been critical to the Magpies’ fast movement from the backline.
Gunther will likely be lining up on one of the Tigers’ dangerous forwards such as Samuel Duigan or Luke Graham.
Tigers
Tigers FC will be looking to cause a massive upset after their maiden win of the season last week against North Hobart.
The Tigers’ midfield bulls were a major factor in their victory over the Demons, providing plenty of supply to their forward line.
Key midfielders Kieran Lovell, Ryan Matthews, Lachie Clifford and Lochie Griggs will seek to continue their dominance around the packs against the Magpie Army.
Forward Samuel Duigan will be looking to continue his good form after a four-goal haul last week.
Key defender Jake Doran is out with a dislocated shoulder and Micah Reynolds will take his place in the side.
Players to watch:
Micah Reynolds – The young defender will get a golden opportunity to cement his spot in the side with Jake Doran out with injury.
Reynolds had a promising 2018, performing shut down roles on some of the best forwards in the competition such as Launceston’s Mitch Thorp.
The youngster and his fellow defenders could have their hands full on Thursday.
Glenorchy have plenty of fire power in the forward line with Jaye Bowden, Callen Daley, Aiden Grace and Josh Grant constantly threatening to tear the contest apart.
Marcus Gardner – The ruck battle will likely have a major factor on the final result with Gardner taking on the in-form Cameron Duffy.
However, Gardner was imposing last week against the Demons, dominating the hitouts and providing his midfield with plenty of supply.
Midfield ascendancy will be critical this week and Gardner will need to continue his good form to ensure the Tigers get first use of the ball.
Tip: Glenorchy by 20 points.
Both teams will play for the Fred House memorial trophy.
Mr House joined the Navy at 16 years of age and was the last surviving member of HMAS Sydney.
He was forced to leave the HMAS Sydney before it was sunk during a naval battle in November 1941, causing the death of 645 men.
After the war, Mr House became a popular member of the Glenorchy RSL and a social member of the Kingston Beach RSL.
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