Elimination Final Preview
Clarence vs Lauderdale
Elimination Final – 2pm, Twin Ovals
So far in 2022, Clarence and Lauderdale have traded victories, with neither side coming out on top at home. This will remain the case as the two sides meet in a do-or-die final at the Twin Ovals in Kingston, with the change of venue due to Blundstone Arena being unavailable ahead of the upcoming Cricket World Cup. Although far away from the eastern shore, this rivalry will be intense, with both sides eager to secure their spot in a preliminary final.
Previous Meetings
Rd 4: Clarence 14.14 (98) def. Lauderdale 13.15 (93)
Rd 10: Lauderdale 15.13 (103) def. Clarence 8.14 (62)
Rd 16: Clarence 9.9 (63) def. Lauderdale 6.8 (44)
In exciting news for the competition, all TSL finals will be streamed live and free on https://t.co/QIIfPENDq7 the AFL Live Official App 👊
Details 👇 https://t.co/Xr1p1InkAk pic.twitter.com/fy9XoVmrUr
— TSL (@TasStateLeague) September 1, 2022
Clarence ultimately came out on top during the home and away season with two wins out of their three meetings. When looking at the venue, Lauderdale may have the advantage, having beaten the Tigers away in the final round of the home and away season. All three of their meetings this season have been scrappy, defensive affairs, with the closest of these games coming in round four when the ‘Roos managed to overcome a two-goal deficit to win by four points.
Clarence’s ability to win the contested ball looms as a key stat to watch this weekend. In that tense round four win, the ‘Roos ultimately outmuscled the Bombers in this area. They ended up +39 in effective tackles and +8 for hard ball gets. The ‘Roos were similarly on top in this facet in round 10, but the Bombers’ connection and delivery with the ball won them the game. In their final meeting the Roos managed to get on top of this type of play, recording 44 intercept possessions in round 16.
Mitch Rainbird was the catalyst for the ‘Roos round four comeback at Skybus. If the likes of Baxter Norton, Jarrod Harper and Jack Preshaw have their way, they will be able to control the flow of the contest. Keegan Wylie has enjoyed a standout season down back making his debut in the TSL team of the year. He will be an integral part of slowing down Lauderdale’s forward half connection.
On the Lauderdale side, there is one player which can dictate the game and make the difference in big moments. The 2022 Cripps Player of the Year and Alastair Lynch medallist Sam Siggins. 2022 has been Siggins’ best year and some strong form late will give both him and his teammates momentum moving into finals. After missing finals last year, Lauderdale will need some strong leadership and calm heads to come out on top, this makes the experience of Josh Mcguinness, Allen Christensen and Bryce Walsh invaluable. Additionally, Lennon Marlin has proved this year that his best form is capable of winning games for the bombers.
The likes of Josh McGuinness and Oscar Shaw will have their hands full, dealing with a plethora of dangerous Roos to contain. Most notably, the leading goal-kicker Colin Garland must be stopped. If he gets of the chain, multiple goals from him will galvanise the rest of his squad. Through the middle, the matchup between Sam Green and Haydn Smith will be one to watch, the two ruckmen at the top of their game.
Tickets are on sale for week one of the 2022 TSL Finals Series 👇
EF – Clarence v Lauderdale
🎟: https://t.co/lOrR2l4HrfQF – Launceston v Kingborough
🎟: https://t.co/3KbTmfY3om pic.twitter.com/nCS6zBPfv4— TSL (@TasStateLeague) September 1, 2022
