Wrest Point TSLW Grand Final Preview

Olivia Clayton previews what promises to be a blockbuster Wrest Point TSLW decider.

Overall head-to-head (2019): Launceston – 6 (3) | Clarence – 4 (0)

Previous meetings:

Round 4, 2019: Launceston 8.9 (57) def. Clarence 2.3 (15) – Blundstone Arena

Round 8, 2019: Launceston 6.9 (45) def. Clarence 5.2 (32) – Blundstone Arena

Round 15, 2019: Launceston 6.17 (53) def. Clarence 1.3 (9) – Windsor Park

Form guide:

Launceston: The Blues remain undefeated after winning all 15 home and away games and defeating Glenorchy by 16 points in the second semi-final.

Clarence: The ‘Roos finished third on the ladder with eight wins and defeated North Launceston by 34 points in the first semi-final. They then defeated 2018 Premiers Glenorchy by 18 points in the Preliminary Final.

Players to watch:

Brie Rattray (Launceston): The Competition’s leading goal kicker with 40 majors in 13 matches. Rattray has proven that she is dangerous in front of goal and will no doubt cause a headache for the opposition.

Daria Bannister (Launceston): The North Melbourne AFLW player returned this season after suffering an ACL injury. Upon her return, Bannister has been a key player for the Blues not only in front of goal, but also assisting around the ground.

Jessie Williams (Clarence): Williams switched from playing 18 years of soccer to AFLW with North Melbourne. In her debut season for the ‘Roos, Williams has been an asset to the team and has also kicked the sides most goals with 23 to her name. Has impressed with her leg speed and natural goal sense.

Nicole Bresnehan (Clarence): The ‘Roos Vice-Captain and North Melbourne AFLW Player has had a stellar season. Bresnehan continuously keeps her opponents on their toes in both offensive and defensive roles. Can provide genuine dash off half back or win the ball at the coal face.

Jessie Williams will be a key for Clarence. IC: Solstice Digital

The trump card:

Launceston: Form, form, form. The Blues just missed out on competing for the flag in 2018 after they were defeated in the Preliminary Final by Glenorchy. This year the Blues returned to showcase a perfect season, winning all their matches and rarely looking troubled. They have proven to be a well-oiled machine and will pose a significant challenge for the ‘Roos.

The Blues have been all-conquering in 2019. IC: Solstice Digital

Clarence: Confidence. The ‘Roos have played Launceston twice this season on home turf, coming within 13 points in their last encounter at Blundstone Arena. The 2018 Grand Finalists have played two finals this season in order to reach the main stage and have knocked out the 2018 Premiers in the process. Riding a wave of momentum and confidence, Clarence will hold no fear.

They say:

Launceston Coach, Ange Dickson: “We have a great mix of experienced and new players in the team and the girls have all gelled so well this year. Our success has come from the team’s drive to be the best we can be, and I don’t think any of them will stop until we are successful in the final game of the year.”

Clarence Captain, Grace Mitchell: “All the pressure is on them, we’re the underdogs, everyone loves an underdog, so we’re going to come out there and we’re just going to play like we did [in the preliminary final] and play a team game and hopefully that gets us the chocolates.”

Tip:

Blues by 25 points. Launceston remain undefeated in the 2019 season and have delivered strong results across the board. Expect Clarence to come out fighting in order to gain the flag they lost in 2018, but just fall short as Launceston put the cherry on top of the cake.

Entry at Blundstone Arena will be via the Western Gate, with tickets available to be purchased via cash or card – Adults – $15, Concession – $10, U16 – $2

This match will streamed LIVE on the AFL Tasmania YouTube channel and Tasmanian State League Facebook page with commentary from Damian Gill, Chris Rowbottom and AFL Tasmania Female Talent Manager Leigh Elder.