Firey Demons shock the Blues

North Hobart pulls off the surprise win of the season by crushing Launceston and blowing open the top three League slots

NORTH Hobart pulled off the biggest upset of the season yesterday to climb off the bottom of the State League ladder at league headquarters.

Just a fortnight after Tigers toppled North Launceston, the Demons stunned the high flying Blues 13.8 (96) to 11.13 (79) a week after the visitors crushed ladder leaders Lauderdale.

Five goals from Colin Garland and another best afield performance from Sam Darley, who not only blanketed Launceston star Jobi Harper but amassed his usual 30-plus possessions, set up the win. Bailey Walker continued to shine as one of the best young players in the competition as he kept Mitch Thorp goalless.

North Hobart shot out of the blocks by kicking five goals to two in the opening quarter. They backed that up in the second quarter to take a five-goal lead into half-time.

Launceston ate into the deficit in the third term but despite keeping the home-side from kicking a goal in the last quarter, were unable to peg back the difference in a result which blew open the race for top three spots.

While the Demons leapfrogged Clarence to move points clear from wooden spoon territory, the Blues slipped back to fourth after Glenorchy held off the Roos.

“It’s a bit of a vindication that what we are doing here is improving the players, a win like today gives them belief I think,” coach Richard Robinson said.

“We thought we had our match ups pretty good behind the ball. Our backs matched up well with their forwards, we had to put a fair bit of time into Harper and [Fletcher] Seymour in the midfield.

“We had a focus on making sure we checked them so they couldn’t get the one-two and allow the easy inside 50s.

“We planned really well and the players were able to execute the plan.”

The result sets up a big clash at the Twin Ovals next Saturday, with Robinson declaring his side hasn’t forgotten comments from the Tigers following their victory when the teams last met.