TSL Talking Points – Round 2
The 2022 TSL Season is starting to pick up steam. Two weeks down and there’s already been plenty of thrilling on field action across the state. Simon Andrews unpacks all the talking points from the second round of the season.
Kingborough 14.9 (93) def. Clarence 8.13 (61)
Since Blundstone Arena was still outfitted for the cricket season, the game was moved to North Hobart Oval. It was Kingborough who managed to adapt best to the mutual ground. The Tigers have got their season off to the best possible start, backing up their final quarter blitz against Lauderdale with a hard-fought win against the Roos.
Head Coach Trent Baumeler must be over-the-moon with the return of certified star Kieran Lovell. The dynamic midfielder managing to rack up possessions and hit the scoreboard in the first two games this year. In round 2 Lovell managed 30 disposals and a goal.
Second-year leader Lachlan Clifford and gun midfielder Edward Cole are continuing their fine form of 2021. Clifford yet again led by example with 20 disposals, 7 clearances, and a goal, while Cole managed 24 disposals and 5 effective tackles.
Marcus Gardner had a standout year in 2021 and this season the Tigers have gifted him some assistance in the ruck, with new recruit Jack Tomkinson impressing with 38 hit outs.
Kingborough appear to have worked hard on their forward craft in the off-season, with some smooth operators working in front of goal. The standout in round 2 was undeniably Tyler Carter with a bag of 5 goals. Also, as can be seen in this weeks Cripps Fresh Play of the Week, Carter was handy in setting up goals for his fellow forwards.
The tap ✅
The snap ✅
The goal ✅The Tigers were perfectly in sync inside 50 in their win over Clarence, with Tyler Carter’s ruckwork setting up the Luke Graham goal.
That combination gets the Cripps Fresh Play of the Week for round two! 🍞 pic.twitter.com/mHcsid15lO
— TSL (@TasStateLeague) April 5, 2022
Round 2 was Clarence’s first regular season game in 2022, with round 1 serving as their first bye. Despite the loss there is still a long way to go this season for the men in Red and White. With an ensemble of fresh faces in the side it is important that their leaders continue to do exactly that – lead.
Captain Jarrod Harper is continuing his fine form from 2021. While fellow leaders James Holmes and Baxter Norton showed plenty of class with 17 and 24 disposals respectively.
Launceston Blues 17.13 (115) def. Glenorchy 4.3 (27)
Let’s get the obvious out of the way, Launceston looks good. After an opening quarter that saw neither side score a major, the Blues had the game done and dusted with an unanswered nine-goal second term.
Brodie Palfreyman was a deserving best-on-ground, with 22 disposals, 7 effective tackles, and 10 clearances. He currently leads the Cripps Player of the Year vote count. Not far behind in the voting was Zach Morris with a clinical five-goal performance.
Jake Hinds was everywhere in round 2, claiming 20 disposals and ending with a scoring record of 4.3.
All across the oval there are stars and big stats for the Blues. For instance, there were high expectations for Jobi Harper star recruit Jackson Thurlow heading into 2022. After 2 games Harper is averaging 27 touches a game, and Thurlow 26.
Although it would have been a tough road trip back down south for the Magpies, as its hard to win games of footy in the TSL while averaging 5 goals. There are multiple aspects of their game to be proud of.
Glenorchy’s midfield is solid. As of round 2 they are the leading team for midfield turnovers, averaging 51.5 per game. They also rank highly in other areas, such as 1%ers and effective tackles. They also managed to match the Blues in centre clearances and ultimately beat them total clearances, 43-41.
Despite only scoring 4 majors in round 2, one of them off the boot of Jack Males was worthy of a Daly Potato Co Goal of the Week nomination.
Males' bomb into the breeze 💣
Pearce's magic from the pocket ✨
McGuinness' fancy footwork 🕺Voting is now open for the round 2 Daly Potato Co Goal of the Week.
Vote now to go in the running to win a product and merch prize pack 👉 https://t.co/4XKT8di2rk pic.twitter.com/m7nTVhXKQQ
— TSL (@TasStateLeague) April 4, 2022
North Launceston 11.14 (80) def. Lauderdale 11.12 (78)
The first “battle of the bombers” in 2022 is the game of the year so far. Both teams competed well. Despite an off-season that saw multiple players come and go North Launceston’s system and style appears to hold up against any opponent no matter how hostile the environment.
In terms of best-on, there is no going past Ben Simpson. He was integral to the Northern Bombers getting across the line with a monster 40 disposals and 15 clearances! He even managed to draw attention off a 37 disposal and 11 clearance performance from Michael Stingel.
Thomas Bennet is looking good in front of goal with 4 majors in round 2, he averages 3.5 this year. Finally, Alexander Lee’s game must be acknowledged, the Northern Bombers big man racking up a mighty 62 hit outs.
Regarding Lauderdale, there were plenty of gutsy performances that delivered a better, 4 quarter effort compared to round 1.
Mr consistency, Sam Siggins managed 27 disposals and 7 clearances. While Allen Christensen came out strongly in his first game of 2022 with 24 touches and 3 goals. As always Nat Franklin impressed with 10 clearances and 7 inside 50s.
The southern Bombers will have a week off now, with plenty of time to reflect on both the negatives and positives of their first 2 rounds.
