Development League Grand Final Preview

Clarence vs Launceston

Grand Final – 12:00pm, UTAS Stadium

Previous Meetings

Rd 5: Launceston 14.9 (92) def. Clarence 4.12 (36)

Rd 12: Clarence 10.6 (66) def. Launceston 8.11 (59)

Rd 19: Clarence 15.11 (101) def. Launceston 7.1 (43)

Qual Final: Launceston 7.9 (51) def. by Clarence 7.11 (53)

The TSL Development League Grand Final will again be played between Clarence and Launceston, with the ‘Roos aiming to go back-to-back and the Blues looking for revenge after going down in last year’s decider. 

Despite winning the minor premiership, Launceston has a 1-3 losing record against Clarence in season 2022, with the ‘Roos claiming a tense two-point win in the Qualifying Final between the two sides a fortnight ago. 

Clarence, following this win, enter this match fresh from a weekend off, while the Blues earned their Grand Final ticket in a tight, absorbing win over the Demons at the Twin Ovals. 

Expect this to be an arm wrestle, with both sides boasting an exciting blend of talented future stars and seasoned guns. 

Players to watch:

Ryan Borsboom (Clarence): With some senior TSL experience behind him, Borsboom is flourishing as an exciting talent to watch into the future. Polling nine Rodney Eade Medal votes, Borsboom is a classy operator who can play a variety of roles. 

Brendan Hay (Clarence): An experienced campaigner with a knack for hitting the scoreboard, Hay could be a real barometer for Clarence in the big dance. Kicking 21 goals across the course of the season, Hay’s defensive pressure and hunger for the contest makes him the ideal big-game player. 

Connor McGee (Clarence): The ‘Roos leading goalkicker this season with 22 majors from eight games, McGee is a strong source of scoreboard output. Kicked three when these sides met in round 19. 

Khai Lunson (Launceston): A rock down back for the Blues, Lunson was mighty in last week’s gripping Preliminary Final. Expect Lunson to take one of Clarence’s most dangerous forwards and impress with his intercept marking. 

Jett Maloney (Launceston): The competition’s leading goalkicker, Maloney was everywhere in last week’s Preliminary Final with a bag of five goals. Equally adept in the air and at ground level, Maloney is a cunning customer who will need strong attention. 

Tiernan McCormack (Launceston): The talented Irishman is a mobile big man with enormous potential. With senior experience behind him, McCormack’s tap craft and capacity to work around the ground make him a versatile talent, and one who could break a close game open. 

All three matches will be live streamed, with the senior TSL Grand Final to be streamed live and free via afl.com.au and the AFL Live Official App.

The Development League Grand Final will be live streamed on the AFL Tasmania YouTube channel, while the STJFL U18s decider will be live streamed via Duff TV

Fans can download the AFL Live Official App on the App Store or Google Play Store.

Pre-sale tickets are now available online, with tickets also available at the gate. Adults $15, Concession $10, U16 $2.