#BUPATSL – Round 6 Preview
Round six of the Bupa Tasmanian State League season is nearly here, with three intriguing fixtures set to tell us plenty about where teams sit in the competition’s pecking order. TSL Digital Reporter Grant Jessup takes a look at what we have to look forward to in round six.
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Clarence v North Hobart at Blundstone Arena (Saturday: 2pm)
One club’s winless start to the 2019 Bupa Tasmanian State League has to end on Saturday with Clarence and North Hobart both fighting for their first win of the season.
The young ‘Roos and Demons have shown plenty of potential and will be hoping to pick up the four points on Saturday.
Clarence:
Clarence have been competitive all year despite not winning a game.
Captain Brady Jones has been working hard in the middle all year alongside young gun Ethan Jackson and returning two-time Clarence TSL Premiership hero Clint Riley.
Ryan Bailey has been great with the 2018 Bupa TSL Team of the Year ruckman performing well for the ‘Roos.
The younger ‘Roos are also stepping up to the challenge of senior TSL footy with Oliver Preshaw and Adrian Butterworth impressing throughout the year.
This contest looms as the ‘Roos’ best chance to get their first victory of the season after a narrow 10 point loss last week against Launceston.
Player to watch:
Brady Jones – The skipper has been a vital cog in Clarence’s midfield. Jones has been one of the ‘Roos’ best players this year and will be hoping to carry that form into Saturday.
North Hobart:
After a solid start to season, North Hobart has been brought back to reality with two heavy back-to-back losses against Launceston and Tigers.
The bye last week came at the perfect time for ‘Bear’ Robinson’s men, who will be fighting hard for their first win of the year.
Sam Darley has been an important addition to the team while Nathan McCulloch and Hugh Williams continue to work tirelessly.
Thomas Reeves has been a revelation with his tremendous forward pressure while Callum Kilpatrick has become a rock in defence.
The match on Saturday is likely the Demons’ best chance to win so far this season with both sides in similar positions on the ladder.
Player to watch:
Matthew Yates – The key defender with experience in the elite Victorian Amateur Football Association Premier A competition has been important in the Demons’ backline. North Hobart supporters will be hoping the tall running defender can continue to impress.
Tip – Clarence by 25 points
Launceston v Tigers at Windsor Park (Saturday 2pm)
An intriguing contest will take place at Windsor Park with the Blues hosting Tigers in a battle between two young sides.
Launceston will be looking to go two wins a row while Tigers are looking to bounce back after a gusty loss to Glenorchy.
Launceston:
Launceston have made a solid start to season, winning two games on the road against North Hobart and Clarence.
However, the young Blues have yet to win a game this year in front of their home crowd.
Superstars Mitch Thorp, Jobi Harper and Hamish Leedham will be hoping to put on a show for the locals.
Fletcher Seymour will be looking to continue his good form after a best on ground performance last week against his old side Clarence.
Young guns Grant Holt and Alec Wright have become useful options in the forward line, providing assistance to spearhead Mitch Thorp.
Player to watch:
Tim Bristow – The key midfielder has been a welcome addition to Launceston after spending five years at East Fremantle in the WAFL. Bristow has added plenty of class to the Blue’s midfield, working well alongside Harper and Brodie Palfreyman.
Tigers:
Tigers were competitive last week against an in-form Glenorchy and will be hoping to continue this form during their first trip up north this season.
The midfield battle will be crucial with Kieran Lovell, Ryan Matthews and Lochie Griggs taking on the class of Harper, Bristow and Palfreyman.
Lovell has been in incredible form and played well under substantial pressure last week from Glenorchy players.
Backmen Marcus Davies, Blake McCulloch and Will Poland have been important for the Tigers in the backline and were great last week.
Michael Paul and Sam Duigan have also made significant contributions in the forward line this year.
Player to watch:
Lochie Griggs – The star midfielder stood up last week in difficult conditions against one of the competition’s best midfields in Glenorchy. If he backs up that performance this week, the Tigers could be hard to stop, with Griggs moving between the defensive half of the ground and the engine room.
Tip – Blues by 22 points
North Launceston v Glenorchy at UTAS Stadium (Saturday 5:30pm)
This contest looms as the match of the round with both sides fighting for second spot on the ladder.
Glenorchy’s unbeaten start to the season is under threat with the reigning premiers looking to respond after last week’s loss to Lauderdale.
North Launceston:
North Launceston have made a terrific start to the season despite losing so many players in the off-season.
The only speed bump this season was last week’s loss to fellow 2018 Grand Finalist Lauderdale.
Skipper Bradley Cox-Goodyer is in impressive form, dominating in the midfield and kicking four goals last week.
Defenders Brayden Van Buuren and Arion Richter-Salter have been providing plenty of support to Jay Foon in the backline.
Dakota Bannister and recruit Ben Elmer are also presenting well in the forward line, while the likely return of Bart McCulloch adds another dangerous string to the Bombers’ attacking set-up.
Player to watch:
Taylor Whitford – The Northern Bombers’ playing-coach had a relatively quiet game by his usual standards last week, playing mostly forward. One of the competition’s superstars, Whitford will be looking to bounce back in a big clash at UTAS Stadium.
Glenorchy:
The Magpies have made a great start to the season but face a major test on Saturday night.
Taking down the reigning premiers at their home ground would be a massive achievement for the Magpies.
Ben Kamaric, Rhys Mott and the Webb brothers will be leading the way in the middle while Cal Daly and Aiden Grace continue to deliver in the forward line.
John Geard is also emerging as a key midfielder for the Pies after his best on ground performance last week.
The ruck battle will be critical with Pie Cameron Duffy taking on the Northern Bombers’ Alex Lee.
Player to watch:
Cal Daly – The crafty forward had a big impact last week in difficult conditions at KGV. After kicking three majors against Tigers, the pocket rocket will be looking to back up that performance against the premiers.
Tip – Glenorchy by 10 points
This match will be live-streamed to Facebook and YouTube with commentary from the team at City Park Radio.
