Glenorchy to play a former premiership defender and state full-back against Tigers

The Tigers will not believe their eyes when they see which former premiership star and state full-back runs out for Glenorchy in the TSL on Saturday.

TSL PRELIMINARY FINAL, Glenorchy vs. Burnie, Blundstone Arena: Glenorchy's Tom Cleary wrapped up in a tackle Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

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FRESH from coronavirus quarantine, Glenorchy is set to regain former premiership player and state full-back Tom Cleary for its TSL clash with the Tigers at the Twin Ovals on Saturday along with key defender Daniel Joseph for his first game in more than a year

Back from the VFL Cleary, and “DJ”, will be part of up to five critical “ins” for the battling Magpies.

As the injury-ravaged Pies languish winless on the bottom of the ladder, Cleary returns to KGV this season after three years in Victoria, where he played for Coburg and Williamstown, and then Greenvale Jets in the Essendon League.

After the latest loss of key forward Aiden Grace (ankle) for an undetermined amount of time, Cleary will inject much-needed experience, along with centre half-back Joseph, forward Adam Roberts, and utilities John Geard and Braydon Patterson.

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Glenorchy coach Paul Kennedy arrived at the club after Cleary had departed, but is familiar with his work.

“I coached him at Coburg _ that’s how I ended up at Glenorchy,” Kennedy said.

“He has finished up quarantine last Thursday, had one training run and played in the Development League on the weekend. He played well and got through okay and pulled up well.

“He’s too good a player to leave in the Development League for too long so he will come in this week.”

One of the best key defenders in the State League when he departed Glenorchy after its 2016 premiership, the only question over Cleary is what position to play.

“We are weighing that up at the moment,” Kennedy said.

“Probably his best position is back and that’s what I’m leaning toward.

“There’s a scenario where we put him forward but I think coming back in, playing where you are most comfortable is where you’re going to play your best footy.”

In other games on Saturday, Clarence hits the road to play reigning champion North Launceston at UTas Stadium, and Lauderdale also has a road-trip to play undefeated Launceston at Windsor Park.