#BUPATSL Round 13 Preview
Round 13 #BUPATSL action will be headlined by a top of the table battle at UTAS Stadium, with clashes at Windsor Park and KGV also set to have a big impact on the race towards September.
Tigers FC v Glenorchy at Twin Ovals (Saturday 1:00pm)
Last time they met: Round 5 2019 – Glenorchy 9.10 (64) def. Tigers 6.6 (42) – KGV Oval
The Tigers are sitting in a good spot at the moment – three games clear of the ‘Roos and entrenched in the top five – but a win over the Magpies would go a long way to establishing some genuine clout in the competition.
The Tigers have never defeated the Magpies since joining the competition in 2014, and a win over a top three side is exactly what the Tigers will want to further cement their finals potential.
Glenorchy have had an interrupted month, having played just one game since May 31. A hard-fought loss to Lauderdale last weekend will have the Magpies primed for this clash, with a win set to keep Paul Kennedy’s side in touch with the top two.
The Tigers will be ultra-competitive, but the Magpies firepower forward of centre (think Aiden Grace, Callen Daly, Jaye Bowden) will likely be too strong.
Players to watch:
Tigers FC – Lachie Clifford
The former Mariners captain is starting to put together a strong body of work in season 2019 with his body fit and firing. Has kicked three goals across the last two weeks and adds further grunt and class to an already impressive midfield unit. Has also spent time as a pressure forward this season.
Glenorchy – John Geard
A staple of this Glenorchy midfield, Geard is an underrated player who performs at a high level on a consistent basis. Although not as flashy as the likes of a Ben Kamaric or Rhys Mott, Geard is equally as important, often doing the hard yards at the bottom of packs. Will have a big role to play against a dangerous Tigers engine room. Won the ANZAC Medal as best afield when these side’s last met on ANZAC Day.
Tip: Magpies by 20 points
Launceston v Clarence at Windsor Park (Saturday 2:00pm)
Last time they met: Round 5 2019 – Clarence 8.10 (58) def. by Launceston 10.8 (68) at Blundstone Arena
A lot has changed since the Blues and ‘Roos last met in round five. Launceston now sit entrenched in the top five in fourth spot, while Clarence are languishing in sixth place – three wins outside the five.
Launceston will be looking to continue beating the teams under it, especially on their home deck, with last weekend’s bye set to help Mitch Thorp’s side prepare for an important stretch of games.
The Blues’ midfield group remains one of the competition’s best, with Fletcher Seymour, Jobi Harper and Brodie Palfreyman all having strong campaigns.
Clarence’s confidence would’ve taken a beating in last weekend’s loss to the Tigers, but any wins from here will be crucial if they are to keep the Tigers under pressure as part of the five.
Clarence’s young guns are developing quickly against bigger-bodied outfits, but a task against the Blues will likely be too much.
Players to watch:
Launceston – Mitch Thorp
The reigning Hudson Medallist has had an interrupted recent stretch of the season through suspension and the byes but will be looking to stamp his authority against the ‘Roos. Has 22 goals to his name and will likely be a handful for an inexperienced Clarence outfit.
Clarence – Sam Green
With time as part of the Tasmania Devils program, including four NAB League games, Green is a highly rated talent and has been a strong contributor for the ‘Roos throughout the season. Has spent time as a wingman and as a lockdown defender, so don’t be surprised if the 18-year-old plays a variety of roles throughout the afternoon.
Tip: Blues by 36 points
North Launceston v Lauderdale at UTAS Stadium (Saturday 2:00pm)
Last time they met: Round 5 2019 – Lauderdale 11.8 (74) def. North Launceston 8.10 (58) at Skybus Oval
UTAS Stadium will host a top-of-the-table Battle of the Bombers in round 13, with Lauderdale aiming to create a buffer and remain atop the Bupa TSL ladder and the Northern Bombers eyeing off a win, and top spot as a reward.
Lauderdale haven’t defeated North Launceston at UTAS Stadium since mid-2017, with this shaping to be a crucial encounter in determining both premiership favouritism and the makeup of the final five.
The midfield battle will be a cracker, with both sides boasting impressive depth in this area of the ground, with midfielders capable of hitting the scoreboard in a big way.
Also watch out for the ruck duel between Haydn Smith and Alex Lee, two of the competition’s very best tap ruckmen, who both have the potential to make their presence felt right around the ground.
Lauderdale will take great confidence from their round five defeat of the Northern Bombers at Skybus Oval, but the Northern Bombers at home will likely be hold on, even if the weather is set to be torrential like predicted.
Players to watch:
North Launceston – Bart McCulloch
The tall Bomber is humming right now with 16 goals from 10 games. Has kicked goals in every match he’s played including a bag of six against the Demons last weekend. Might be able to stretch Lauderdale’s defence.
Lauderdale – Nat Franklin
The midfield bull is coming off a season-best 34-disposal performance last weekend and will need to be firing against the star-studded midfield group of North Launceston.
Tip: Northern Bombers by 10 points
This match will be available to stream LIVE via the Tasmanian State League Facebook page and AFLTAS YouTube Channel with commentary from the team at City Park Radio.
