#BUPATSL Round 10 Preview
Round 10 of the Bupa Tasmanian State League approaches with clubs looking to make their move as we approach the half-way point of the season.
TSL Digital Reporter Grant Jessup looks at this week’s matches with one club celebrating a huge milestone on Friday night.
Glenorchy v Clarence at KGV Oval (Friday 7:30pm)
Glenorchy will celebrate their 100th anniversary in a Centennial game against old rivals Clarence.
Last time they met: Clarence 11.8 (74) def. by Glenorchy 20.16 (136) at Blundstone Arena
Glenorchy:
Glenorchy are looking to celebrate their centenary in style after a scrappy loss to Launceston in Round nine.
The Magpies will have to wary of a young Clarence side that has the potential to ruin their Friday night party.
Ben Kamaric, Cam Duffy and Sam Rundle loom as key barometers for the Magpies in the centre clearance battle against the ‘Roos.
Paul Kennedy will be hoping small forwards Callen Daly and Aiden Grace can hit the scoreboard this week after being held goalless last week.
If the Pies need further motivation, midfielder Rhys Mott will play his 150th senior game for the club.
Player to watch – Aiden Grace
After a quiet week against Launceston, Grace will be hoping the Magpies midfield can provide him with plenty of opportunities.
The young gun has been one of the best small forwards this season and could cause plenty of headaches alongside Callen Daly and Tyler Bowden.
Clarence:
Clarence are looking to bounce back after last week’s disappointing loss to North Launceston.
This week presents a perfect opportunity for the ‘Roos to strike while Glenorchy are in celebration mode and missing several key players.
Youngsters Jack Preshaw, Jacob Smith and Adrian Butterworth have been impressive this season while swingman Chris Nield has been a solid contributor in the forward line.
Ruckman Ryan Bailey will have a big challenge this week, taking on the in-form Cam Duffy.
Player to watch – Jeromey Webberley
The Clarence playing-coach has set a strong example for his younger players through the first half of the season.
Webberley continues to be the ‘Roos defensive general and will have his hands full on Friday night.
Tip: Glenorchy by 32 points.
This game will be LIVE streamed via the AFL Tasmania YouTube channel.
Tigers v Lauderdale at Twin Ovals (Saturday 2pm)
Coming off the bye, a refreshed Tigers side will be looking to cause a huge upset against Lauderdale.
Last time they met: Lauderdale 8.17 (65) def. Tigers 5.9 (39) at SkyBus Oval
Tigers:
A bye came at the perfect time for the Tigers after a crushing loss to North Launceston in Round eight.
The improving Tigers outfit has been competitive against several quality sides this season, including the Southern Bombers.
Tigers are not lacking in midfield talent with Kieran Lovell, Ryan Matthews and Lochie Griggs making strong starts to the season.
The midfield battle will be crucial against the likes of Bryce Walsh, Sam Siggins and Nat Franklin.
Player to watch – Marcus Davies
The veteran defender has been a tremendous leader in the Tigers backline.
He will likely have a significant task on Saturday against Jacob Gillbee and potentially Mitch Anderton.
Lauderdale:
The boys from the Eastern Shore have an opportunity to return to the top of the ladder this round with North Launceston having a bye.
A 7-1 record this season, including a win over the reigning premiers, shows that Lauderdale is a difficult side for any team to match up against.
The Southern Bombers have quality players across the field including skipper Bryce Walsh, Sam Siggins, Henry Kerinaiua and Mitch Anderton.
Haydn Smith is also having a terrific season in the ruck and will likely be an overwhelming challenge for the Tigers.
Player to watch – Mitch Anderton
The dual position player had a major impact last week, kicking three goals in the final term. Anderton’s swingman status provides coach Darren Winter with a useful weapon to inflict upon opposition sides.
Tip: Lauderdale by 25 points.
Launceston v North Hobart at Windsor Park (Saturday 2pm)
The Demons will seek to revive their season on Saturday against the in-form Blues.
Last time they met: North Hobart 5.5 (35) def. Launceston 12.16 (88) at North Hobart Oval
Launceston:
The Blues are on a high after claiming their biggest scalp of the season last week against Glenorchy.
Fletcher Seymour is on fire and emerging as one of the competition’s premier midfielders.
Co-captain Jay Blackberry has made a flawless start to the season after recovering from his ACL injury.
Jake Smith has also been a key cog in the Blues defence, keeping Glenorchy’s Aiden Grace goalless last week.
Coach Mitch Thorp’s return after a one-week suspension will only add to the powerful Blues forward line which already includes Grant Holt and Alec Wright.
Player to watch – Hamish Leedham
The Blues star is having a dominant season in the ruck and around the ball.
Leedham has also been able to hit the scoreboard, kicking two last week, including a long bomb from the centre square.
North Hobart:
After a promising performance against Lauderdale, Bear Robinson’s men are hoping to pull off a massive upset on Saturday at Windsor Park.
Midfielders Sam Darley, Nathan McCulloch and Sam Caswell have a massive job against a Blues midfield which boasts Seymour, Blackberry, Jobi Harper and Brendan Taylor.
Hugh M. Williams has been valiant in the ruck with the Demons missing Harry Ireland due to Devils duties.
New recruit Matthew Yates has become a key pillar of the Demons backline and may get the job on Mitch Thorp.
Player to watch – Bailey Walker
The promising defender is having a strong season alongside fellow young gun Callum Kilpatrick.
Walker has a major role in North Hobart’s defensive structure and will be crucial against the Blues.
Tip: Launceston by 50 points
City Park Radio will be broadcasting this game live – click here to listen online
