Big Demon Colin Garland said eight was great but winning was better

He kicked eight goals to lead North Hobart to its first win of the season but Colin Garland felt sorry for the opposition.

Colin Garland sends the ball past Brady Jones. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

AS much fun as it was kicking eight straight to spearhead North Hobart to its first win of the TSL season over Clarence at North Hobart Oval on Saturday, Colin Garland says he feels sorry for the Roos.

The 141-game Melbourne defender rated Clarence coach Jeromey Webberley as one of the best in the State League, if not the best.

But he was surprised how young the Roos were as the Demons romped to a 55-point win.

“We sympathise with Clarence and the position they are in,” Garland said.

“Jeromey Webberley is, if not the best coach, up there among the best coaches in the competition and Brady Jones is one of the best captains.

“They are very young but they are really well led and if they can keep their young players the club will be fine.”

Nathan McCulloch, of North Hobart, handballs the ball as skipper Hugh Williams blocks Clint Riley, of Clarence. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Garland kicked eight goals in a dominant performance reminiscent of his 10.6 masterclass on debut for North Hobart as a lanky teenager 14 years ago.

“The win was a long time coming – I think over 400 days – so it was more of a relief than anything,” Garland said.

“A third of our team hadn’t had a senior win, so it was a relief for the club and it was a really fun day.”

North Hobart’s run home includes games against Lauderdale at Lauderdale Oval on Saturday, followed by Glenorchy and Launceston at home, Tigers at Twin Ovals, North Launceston at UTAS Stadium and Clarence again at North Hobart Oval.

Garland believes the Demons can taste victory again before the season is out.

“Definitely. All it takes in this comp is for a team to be a little bit off or have a few injuries, and you can beat anyone,” he said.

“We go to Lauderdale and a big test this week, but we’ll go in aiming to win.”

Garland, 31, revealed he had considered quitting TSL mid-season as he struggled with hamstring tendonitis and lacking motivation.

TSL PLAYER OF THE YEAR VOTES:

North Launceston v Glenorchy: 3 Josh Ponting (North Launceston), 2 Taylor Whitford (North Launceston), 1 Brad Cox-Goodyer (North Launceston)

North Hobart v Clarence: 3 Colin Garland (North Hobart), 2 Sam Darley (North Hobart), 1 Nathan McCulloch (North Hobart)

Tigers v Launceston: 3 Fletcher Seymour (Launceston), 2 Dylan Riley (Launceston), 1 Jay Blackberry (Launceston)

LEADERBOARD: 14: Brad Cox-Goodyer (North Launceston); 12: Fletcher Seymour (Launceston); 11: Haydn Smith (Lauderdale); 10: Sam Siggins (Lauderdale), Taylor Whitford (North Launceston); 8: Jaye Bowden (Glenorchy), Sam Darley (North Hobart), Josh McGuinness (Lauderdale), Josh Ponting (North Launceston), Mitch Thorp (Launceston).