Ace goal kicker Mitch Thorp returns to lead Launceston in midweek TSL night game against reigning premier

The first of the TSL’s COVID-19 inspired midweek night games will be played this week, as a coach describes the change up as a “necessary evil”.

Round 7 TSL match between North Hobart v Clarence from North Hobart Oval. Clarence's Ethan Jackson is tackled by North Hobart's Nathan McCulloch. Picture: Zak Simmonds

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LAUNCESTON’S two-week break paid dividends for the Blues with the TSL ladder-leader set to regain coach Mitch Thorp and onball guns Fletcher Seymour and Tim Bristow for its top-of-the-ladder clash with North Launceston at UTas Stadium tomorrow night.

Thorp returns from a back injury and Seymour is over the calf injury that kept them sidelined for Launceston’s one-point loss to Clarence at Windsor Park in round six.

“Hopefully over the next fortnight we will have the majority of our senior players come back into the side,” Thorp said.

“It’s important to manage our list really carefully through this period.

As well as Thorp, 2019 best-and-fairest Seymour, and Bristow, the Blues will inject ruckman Joe Groenewegen and midfielder Michael Musika into the team over the next few weeks.

Thorp said playing a midweek night game was part of the package in a coronavirus-affected season.

“It’s a necessary evil – something we have to do to make the season fair and equitable for everyone,” Thorp said.

“A one-off Wednesday night game is fine. We don’t have any issues with it.

“It’s at UTas, so we’re fortunate with the grounds that we get to play on.”

Launceston’s last game was on August 15, giving it an 11-day break, compared to North Launceston’s four-day turn around against Glenorchy at KGV on Saturday.

“It depends on how you look at it – some people like continuous football and some enjoy a week off to freshen up,” Thorp said.

“We will have the same situation when we play the Tigers on Sunday, and most of the other clubs will have the same time-frame between games at some stage through the year.”

Launceston had a shock loss to Clarence at Windsor Park before the bye, allowing the Blues a week to recuperate and reassess.

“The bye came at the right time,” Thorp said.

“We had the last of the byes, so the halfway point has come and gone and we’re in a strong position and looking forward to the second part of the year.”

Meanwhile, Launceston captain Jobi Harper maintained his lead in the TSL Player of the Year Award with his nearest rival Kieran Lovell unable to pole a vote in the Tigers loss to Lauderdale.

Bombers onballer Bryce Walsh scored top votes ahead of his tall teammate Sam Siggins, while one of the Tigers’ favourite sons Mackenzie Willis scored a vote him his return to the club.

North Launceston trio Sherrin Eggar, Corey Nankervis and Jay Foon filled the top three spots in the Northern Bombers’ win over Glenorchy at KGV.

Rampaging Roo Ethan Jackson claimed best afield in Clarence’s win over North Hobart.