The Wrap – Round 10 – Tasmanian State League

By Joseph Vasquez

Two big TSL crosstown rivalries and a North Hobart-Kingborough clash made up the tenth round of the 2022 TSL season, with reigning premier Launceston defeating North Launceston at UTAS Stadium, Kingborough dominating over the struggling North Hobart at North Hobart Oval, and Lauderdale regaining bragging rights against Clarence at Blundstone Arena.

First, it was a big Friday night clash up north between the two northern teams, the Blues and the Northern Bombers. The younger Bombers held their ground against the premiers in an entertaining but low-scoring first half, with the latter leading by seven points at the main interval.

However, as the rain began to pour over UTAS Stadium, the more experienced Blues lifted and kicked away. They took their lead out to 21 points at three-quarter-time and 58 at the final siren with a huge final term. In the end, the final score read a Launceston victory of 15.13.103 to 6.9.45.

Jackson Thurlow (4.2, 16 disposals), Jake Hinds (3.3, 14 disposals), and Brendan Taylor (3.2, 13 disposals) were excellent up forward, and stars such as Fletcher Seymour (39 disposals, nine clearances), Jobi Harper (one goal, 36 disposals, 11 clearances), and Alec Wright (one goal, 19 disposals) were dominant in the navy blue. For their defeated rival, North Launceston’s Brad Cox-Goodyer (0.4, 34 disposals, eight clearances), Jack Avent (0.1, 31 disposals, seven clearances), and Nathan Pearce (two goals, 12 disposals) were brave in a tough loss.

Next, it was a Saturday afternoon affair at North Hobart Oval between the Demons and the Tigers. Both sides were inaccurate early, but Kingborough edged ahead and left North Hobart in the dust. Despite challenging the Tigers early, the Dees were unable to stay with them as the former ran out 14.17.101 to 7.9.51 victors, locking in second spot on the ladder for the time being.

Forward Jordan Lane was superb in front of goal with five goals straight, 17 disposals and 11 marks, and others like Noah Clifford (2.2, 15 disposals), Luke Graham (2.1, 19 disposals), and Kieran Lovell (1.3, 33 disposals, 11 clearances) were excellent around the ground for the Tigers. For the Demons, Tyler McGinniss (27 disposals, 11 rebound inside-50s), Samuel Caswell (1.2, 27 disposals, eight clearances), and Callen Daly (two goals, 23 disposals) played proudly for the red and blue.

Finally, it was the SPEAK UP Stay ChatTy Cup at Bellerive Oval between Clarence and Lauderdale in the battle for fourth spot. After a slow start from both sides, Lauderdale turned up the heat in the second quarter, kicking five goals to Clarence’s four to lead by 14 points at half-time.

It was either side’s game when the second half began, but a dominant third term from the Bombers put a 23-point buffer between them and the Roos. The latter fought hard but Lauderdale sealed victory with a five-goal-to-two final quarter to win 15.13.103 to 8.14.62.

Lauderdale key forward and former Clarence player Michael Blackburn was awarded the SPEAK UP Stay ChatTY Medal as best afield for a showing of five goals straight, 10 disposals, and six marks, and others like forward-ruck Sam Siggins (2.2, 36 disposals, 34 hit-outs), Jayden Magro (3.1, 10 disposals), Nat Franklin (2.1, 24 disposals), and Edward Stanley (27 disposals) were the best for the Bombers. For Clarence, Keegan Wylie (25 disposals), Colin Garland (2.5, 16 disposals), and Oliver Preshaw (three goals, four disposals) were the best in defeat.

Next weekend, Glenorchy hosts North Hobart at KGV Oval, Lauderdale takes on arguably the biggest challenge in Tasmanian football; Launceston at Windsor Park, and Clarence courts North Launceston at Blundstone Arena.