Wrest Point TSLW – Week 2 Finals Preview

Reigning premiers, Glenorchy, will challenge 2019 Minor Premiers Launceston, in the second semi-final of the Wrest Point Tasmanian State League Women’s finals series, writes TSLW Reporter Olivia Clayton.

SECOND SEMI FINAL

SUNDAY 8TH SEPTEMBER

Launceston v Glenorchy (Windsor Park) – 12:00pm

Head to Head in 2019: Launceston – 3, Glenorchy – 0

Form Guide (most recent first): Launceston – W W W W W | Glenorchy – W W W W L

Launceston hosts Glenorchy at Windsor Park in the second semi-final, with the ‘Pies set to seek redemption for their 2017 Grand Final defeat to the same opponent.

Launceston finished the season with a perfect winning streak, while Glenorchy’s only three losses this season were against the Blues.

Previous meetings:

Round 2, 2019:

Round two saw their first encounter in the 2019 season where Launceston claimed the 30-point win at UTAS Stadium. The Blues kicked five goals to one in the opening term, acquiring a strong lead early on, which helped them stay in front for the remainder of the match.

Chloe Haines, Daria Bannister, Brie Rattray and Makenna Hillier kicked two goals apiece and Abbey Green notched one for the side.

Green was a standout in the match, finishing best on ground and taking a spectacular mark in the second quarter that left Glenorchy players, Jemma Webster and Madison Shaw, a bit worse for wear.

Coach, Ange Dickson, said “Abbey has worked extremely hard over the preseason and it showed with her game on Sunday. Abbey did exactly what we required of her plus more. Her contested ball efforts were fantastic, and she was dominant in the ruck all game.”

Although Launceston had a strong start to the season, Glenorchy proved that they were also a strong contender for the flag in their defensive ability and efforts to limit the scoreboard impact for the rest of the match.

Jasmine Tate Turvey kicked two goals for the Pies, whilst Nietta Lynch and Natalie Daniels kicked one apiece. Glenorchy’s best on ground was star midfielder Mackie Sutcliffe.

Round 7, 2019:

Launceston once again notched the win when the side’s met in round seven, defeating Glenorchy by 53 points. The Blues kicked three goals two in the opening term to the Pies one goal one. Glenorchy kicked another one goal one, to Launceston’s three goals three in the second quarter to lead by 27 points at half time.

Launceston booted two goals one in the third term to Glenorchy’s one goal two. The final quarter saw the Blues kick another five goals three to the Pies two goals.

Daria Bannister kicked four of the Blues goals, and Brie Rattray also notched three for the side, whilst the best on ground was Jennifer Guy.

Gennaveve Sullivan, Mackie Sutcliffe, Brieanna Barwick, Hannah Smith, Jemma Webster and Sarah Skinner kicked one goal apiece for Glenorchy and Sullivan was also named best on ground.

Round 12, 2019:

Round 12 saw the final encounter between the two sides before the final’s series. Launceston came out 50-point winners against Glenorchy.

Brie Rattray kicked three goals for Launceston and the side’s best on ground was Chanette Thuringer.

The side “had a slow start to the game initially” says Coach Ange Dickson.

“It wasn’t really until the second quarter that we started playing our game style and we were able to take control of the game. Glenorchy are always tough opponents who bring a strong physical game. It’s a game style we enjoy playing against and it always brings the best out in us.”

Dickson says that the three players that she thought were standouts on the day were Chanette Thuringer, Jennifer Guy and Georgia Hill.

“Chanter Thuringer had her best game of the year. She was dominant down back and used her run magnificently off the half back line all game.

“Jen Guy once again showed what a talent she is and only in her first year of football. The physicality she brings in her game is what we have been missing in previous years and it’s great to have her with us this season.

“Georgia Hill also dominated down back and with the other back line group managed to keep Glenorchy to two goals all game, which is a fantastic effort.”

Hannah Smith was the Pies best on ground and Nietta Lynch and Sarah Skinner kicked the side’s only goals with one apiece.

Assistant coach, Sandy Eaton, says the side “went in to Sunday’s games with confidence but knew we had to play at our best to be competitive against Launceston. We have a huge amount of respect for them and the bar that they have set for the competition this year.

“We had moments in the first and fourth quarter where we showed the brand of footy we’d need to play to beat Launceston, but unfortunately couldn’t string that together for the whole four quarters.

“This is something we have worked towards and intend to show during the 2019 finals campaign.”

Eaton says the Barwick sisters and the team’s backline were standouts on the day.

“Brieanna Barwick’s consistent efforts in the midfield are second to none. She is someone who we have come to really rely on and every week she leaves nothing on the track.

“Elise Barwick was fantastic in the fourth quarter and gave us the spark we needed to get multiple forward entries.

“The standout on the day though was our backline who held up under the immense pressure from Launceston.”

This week’s focus:

Both Launceston and Glenorchy house a plethora of talent. The Blues house several AFLW players in Daria Bannister and Chloe and Libby Haines who have all had stellar 2019 seasons.

Mia King has had a great season, playing not only in the TSLW, but in the Devils Academy which earned her an invite to the 2019 AFLW draft combine that is due to be held in October. King has also played in the AFLW Under 18 Eastern Allies side but will not play for the Blues again this season due to injury.

Teammates Sian Beeton, Amy Halaby, Kelsey Hill, and Camilla Taylor have also been included in the Devils line-up.

Brie Rattray is the competition’s leading goal kicker booting 38 goals from twelve matches and Bannister is just behind her on 35 goals from 13 matches.

At the end of round 16 Launceston Coach, Ange Dickson, said the focus over the two week break leading into this game was about fine-tuning areas of deficiency and resting up.

“We took the time the load off the legs and hopefully fine tune our goal kicking. We have had some really hard weeks on the training track and this week and next will just be about monitoring the load on the girls and ensuring everyone is fit and ready to go in two weeks’ time.

“The girls are all really excited to be playing finals footy and we will be looking to contain that excitement and be ready to peak come two weeks’ time.”

Glenorchy’s Captain, Nietta Lynch won the goal kicking in the 2018 season booting 35 goals. This season Lynch is third in the goal kicking with 31 goals from 15 games, behind Launceston players Brie Rattray and Daria Bannister. Natalie Daniels has also been a reliable target for goal this season with 23 from 15 games.

Sarah Skinner is another player that has dominated play finishing in the best players for 13 out of the 15 matches that she has played as well as scoring 21 goals.

Thomasa Corrie and Brieanna and Elise Barwick are also key players for the Pies. Jemma Webster and Hannah Smith were also part of the Devils Academy side.

Mackie Sutcliffe was the winner of the 2018 Grand Final best-on-ground medal and the side’s ruck, Gennaveve Sullivan, won the ANZAC Day medal in their first match of the 2019 season.

Lynch says, “We have really put alot of work into our structure and team work this year, our focus will be to continue to build on this, and work as a solid group that is united and prepared to play for each other. With Launceston being the hunted we’re seeking redemption as a group for the 2017 grand final loss.”