Blues looking to make the most of finals appetizer

Refreshed from the round 20 bye, Launceston face the peculiar scenario of meeting their round 21 opponents, Tigers, two weeks in a row. 

The Blues will host the competition’s southern-most side at Windsor Park on Saturday afternoon, before hosting the same fixture at Windsor Park in a huge Elimination Final showdown.

Blues coach Mitch Thorp fills us in on how his side is placed heading into the final round of the season and a big finals campaign.

How is the group feeling after the week off?

“Refreshed. It has come at a really good time for us, so we are looking forward to this week.

“This week is really important, to have a game before getting into the finals series, so the break was at a good time and now we are looking forward to the weekend.”

Do you think the group is in a good spot heading into the finals?

“We have shown that our best form is really strong… we have beaten the top sides.

“We are a young group and have been a bit inconsistent between that, but the bye definitely came at the right time for us. To regenerate and get a few unhealthy boys healthy gives us a full squad to pick from.”

How significant is being able to host the Tigers at Windsor Park this weekend and next? Especially considering their lack of success at the venue. 

“It will be really important for us to have a strong performance this week given we have had the week off. We will be looking to find some momentum heading into the finals series.

“Qualifying for a home final gives you a big advantage. This is the first home final Launceston has had at Windsor Park in 11 years, so it is really important that we put in a strong performance this weekend and then move onto the week after.”

Playing the same opponent two weeks in a row… does it result in you keeping some tricks up your sleeve?

“I’m sure there will be some cat and mouse play between the two teams but we are after a strong performance this week due to having the bye last week.

“We will need to make sure we have our head down and bum up for the first bounce and get into the contest nice and early.

“The Tigers have some A-Grade TSL players on their team and we respect them highly. Their best football is very good – they’ve knocked off North Launnie this year. They are coached well and are led well on the field, so we have a lot of respect for their group.

“Hopefully we can get to 11 wins and take some momentum into the finals.”