#BUPATSL Round 11 Preview

Saturday will see the remaining two games of the round take place, with Lauderdale and Clarence vying for the Stay ChatTY! Cup and North Hobart and Tigers facing off in an Indigenous Recognition Match. 

Lauderdale v Clarence at Skybus Oval (Saturday 2pm)

Last time they met: Round 4 2019 – Clarence 11.10 (76) def. by Lauderdale 13.13 (91) at Blundstone Arena

The Eastern Shore derby will take on greater significance this week as the club’s compete for the annual Speak UP! Stay ChatTY Cup.

The Bombers have been impressive across the start of the season, having dropped just the one game so far.

With mature bodies through the midfield – think Bryce Walsh, Phil Bellchambers and Sam Siggins among others – the Bombers will look to get on top at the coalface and feed it out to an abundance of classy runners like Alex Saunders and Henry Kerinaiua.

Clarence have shown signs throughout the year without stringing together consistent four-quarter efforts.

Brady Jones has been immense through the middle, as has coach Jeromey Webberley. With young talent across the field, the ‘Roos will be looking to find some consistency, especially against the club’s biggest modern rival.

The Bombers boast an impressive mix of experience and class and should be too strong in this encounter.

Players to watch:

Lauderdale – Ryan Wiggins

The talented tall has now has a few games under his belt this season and looks primed to start building towards his best football. Likely to play inside 50 and stretch the ‘Roos defence, Wiggins is an elite mark who can also do damage at the other end of the park.

Clarence – Brady Jones

The Clarence leader will have a vital role to play in the engine room, with Lauderdale boasting one of the competition’s deepest midfield units. Jones has had a stellar campaign to date and will need to continue this if the visitors are to get on top in the crucial midfield battle.

Tip: Lauderdale by 45 points.

North Hobart v Tigers FC at North Hobart Oval (Saturday 2pm)

Last time they met: Round 4 2019 – Tigers 15.10 (100) def. North Hobart 5.10 (40) at Twin Ovals

The Demons and Tigers have built a healthy rivalry in recent times and will both be looking to notch a crucial victory in this clash, with both sides set to acknowledge the contributions of Indigenous Australians to our great game.

Demons players and fans will be sick of the notion of honourable losses, but the young side have had a number of these so far in 2019.

The team is continually improving, with Sam Darley’s dazzling form and the continual improvement of the team’s younger players the standouts.

The Demons will be hoping to regain some of their Devils players this week, with this possible injection of talent likely to give the team an enormous boost.

Tigers would also be sick of honourable losses, and with a top five position well and truly in reach, simply must beat the teams below them on the ladder.

The Tigers showcased that their best football is as good as anyone’s with a blistering third term against Lauderdale a fortnight ago and will be aiming for more consistent performances moving forward.

Kieran Lovell has cemented his status as one of the competition’s premier midfielders, and with Lachy Clifford, Ryan Matthews and Jarryd Drew at his side, the Tigers’ should get on top in the midfield and exploit the Demons’ defence with the likes of Mickey Paul and Elijah Reardon.

Players to watch:

North Hobart – Callum Kilpatrick

The talented Demon showed what he’s made of on the big stage of UTAS Stadium during last weekend’s Rep Game after another great start to the TSL season. A key figure in the red and blue, the classy wingman’s confidence should be high.

Tigers FC – Marcus Gardner

Gardner has had a big impact in hs return to Tigerland this season, becoming an asset and foil to Hugh Johnston. A versatile big man who can make his presence felt around the ground, Gardner will look to exploit the Demons’ lack of height and mature ruck depth.

Tip: Tigers by 36 points