Lauderdale coach Darren Winter says it’s tough for opposition teams to win at the ‘Tip’

It’s hard enough to just win a game in the State League without the added degree of difficulty of visiting Lauderdale’s home deck. The Bombers coach reveals why.

Tyler Bowden, second from left, celebrates a goal with his Glenorchy teammates. He could return for the Pies’ clash with Lauderdale. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

IT’S one of the hardest grounds for a visiting team to win at and that’s why Lauderdale coach Darren Winter believes the top-of-the-ladder Bombers will have an edge over Glenorchy in their round 12 TSL clash at Lauderdale Oval.

Winter used the unkind nickname for his team’s home ground – the “Tip” – when he said opposition teams did not like facing the Bombers on their home track.

It could mean Glenorchy’s chances of winning end up on the scrapheap.

Tasmanian State League football match. Lauderdale’s coach Darren Winter Picture: EDDIE SAFARIK

“KGV is definitely one of the home ground advantage grounds. I don’t think Bellerive is because it’s a good ground for football. The Twins Ovals probably isn’t and neither is North Hobart,” Winter said.

“I think Lauderdale is. We’ve got a home ground advantage down there.

“Teams don’t like going to the ‘Tip’ that’s for sure.

“We usually give the opposition change rooms a hose down to make it nice and cold.

“It might be a couple of goals advantage for us to play at home.”

Lauderdale’s Oscar Shaw, right, and North Hobart’s Patrick Walker battle it out at Lauderdale Oval. Shaw will miss ht egame with Devils duties. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

Lauderdale is likely to be without skipper Bryce Walsh for another week after his stint in the US working as a greenkeeper at US Masters golf course Augusta.

“Bryce gets back into Sydney on Friday night,” Winter said.

“It’s a long flight so we will make that decision on Friday night when we hear how he’s travelling.

“He will be a bit jet-lagged and lethargic so we will name him but we probably won’t play him.”

Teenager Oscar Shaw will play for the Devils and defender Jeremiah Perkins could replace him.

Glenorchy hopes to regain Tyler Bowden from a back injury as a key target in attack.

North Hobart lost full-forward Colin Garland (hamstring) and a swag of players to the Devils ahead of its match against reigning champion North Launceston at North Hobart Oval.

“We have nine in the Devils team this week so there’s a few to come out of the side from last week,” said coach Richard Robinson.

“There’s a few opportunities for guys who played in the Development League.”