Ruthless ‘Roos destroy Demons

Clarence have broken through for their first win of the year with a dominant 72 point victory over a struggling North Hobart at Blundstone Arena.

The ‘Roos were able to send off TSL Premiership star Tim Castle in style with the defender booting two goals, Bupa TSL Digital Reporter Grant Jessup writes.

The first minute was ominous for the Demons with a centre clearance from ‘Roos captain Brady Jones resulting in a quick goal from Jake Cox.

Midfield dominance was critical, with the ‘Roos dictating play from the centre of the ground.

A lack of intensity from some of North Hobart’s less experienced players led to Clarence kicking six goals to none in the opening term.

Early injuries to Tyler McGinniss (hip) and Finian Lapham (wrist) made matters worse for the visitors.

The under-siege Demons began the second quarter strongly, booting two majors in a row through Mack Evans and Sam Darley.

Hopes of a North Hobart comeback were quickly dashed after successive Clarence goals, including a Jarrod Harper long bomb from outside 50.

After the main break, the ‘Roos marched on with young star Blair Rubock converting a set shot from directly in front.

Jayden Charlton kicked a major against the flow of play but the Demons could not halt the ‘Roos’ midfield ascendancy.

Clarence young gun Oscar Paprotny hit the scoreboard late in the third term with a brilliant banana goal.

‘Roo Tim Castle and Demon Nathan McCulloch were both brave in the third quarter, playing on after big hits in separate incidents.

The margin was 58 points at three-quarter time but Clarence playing-coach Jeromey Webberley told his players to not slow down.

Despite this mentality, retiring defender Tim Castle found himself in the forward line at the start of the final term.

Castle booted two majors in a row to start the final quarter with a party-like atmosphere starting to take hold.

The defender missed several chances in front of goal but appeared to enjoy his final quarter in the red and white.

Highlights were rare for the Demons during the final term but rising star Thomas Reeves did convert a set shot goal.

The ‘Roos midfield engine of Brady Jones, Clint Riley and Gabriel Chambers were fantastic in the middle.

Jake Cox, Jarrod Harper and Zac Buechner were busy in the forward line with plenty of supply on offer throughout the day.

North Hobart’s leaders stood up during a difficult day for the club, with Hugh Williams and Sam Darley fighting valiantly throughout the contest.

Nathan McCulloch stood out in the midfield for the Demons, particularly after taking the big hit during the third term.

Defenders Callum Kilpatrick and Matthew Yates also played well under tremendous pressure.

Clarence playing-coach Jeromey Webberley was full of praise for his young side.

“The first quarter was outstanding, we played some really good footy.”

“It was a good four quarter effort today,” he said.

Webberley said the ‘Roos responded well after last week’s nail-biting 10 point loss to Launceston.

“The rooms last week were really somber, we thought it was a game we probably let slip.”

“We actually converted our set shots this week and that actually makes a major difference.”

The Clarence playing-coach also paid tribute to retiring defender Tim Castle.

“I actually thought he was our best player today.”

“He’s had an outstanding career.”

“He bleeds red and white and will be sorely missed,” Webberley said.

North Hobart assistant coach Aaron Vince said the Demons started poorly and could not recover.

“One of the messages was intensity at the start of the game.”

“When you don’t bring that at the start of the game and you’re trailing, you’re going to get found out,” he said.

Youngster Mack Evans was a shining light for the Dees during his second senior TSL game for the club.

“We actually made mention of him in the rooms.”

“He’s got really good skills, a left footer,” Vince said.

The assistant coach believes the 17 year old has a bright future ahead after playing mostly on the wing during this match.

“He’ll just get better and better as the season goes on.”

Final score:
Clarence – 16.15 (111)
North Hobart – 5.9 (39)

Goals:
Clarence – Cox 4, Harper 3, Castle 2, Buechner 2, Holmes, Chambers, Rubock, Paprotny, Preshaw.
North Hobart – Darley 2, Evans, Charlton, Reeves.

Best:
Clarence – Castle, Cox, Harper, Jones, Preshaw, Smith.
North Hobart – Williams, Darley, Moore, Yates, Kilpatrick, Evans.

Next up:
Clarence will head to Twin Ovals and face Tigers in a Saturday night blockbuster.

North Hobart will take on the reigning premiers North Launceston at UTAS Stadium on Saturday afternoon.