Launceston skipper Jobi Harper has high hopes for the Blues in shortened TSL season

Launceston’s win over Glenorchy at KGV told Blues skipper Jobi Harper his side is on track to achieve its goals this season – and he is aiming high.

Jobi Harper in action for Launceston. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

LAUNCESTON fired a shot across the bow of any TSL team with its eye on the premiership cup with its 24-point win over Glenorchy at KGV and captain Jobi Harper believes his Blues can take home the biggest prize in Tasmanian football this season.

It might have been the first game of a delayed, coronavirus-compacted 2020 State League season but the Blues appear to have picked up where they left.

Next week they are at home to the TSL’s reigning premier and competition dominator North Launceston – the team they aim to emulate.

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Football. Tasmanian State League. Glenorchy V Launceston. L-R Jay Blackberry Launceston, John Geard Glenorchy, Grant Holt Launceston. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

“Our aim is to be the best,” Harper said.

“At the moment North Launceston is the benchmark and we’ve got our sights set on beating them.

“That’s where we want to be – we want to be at the top and we think we are good enough to go there.”

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For Harper and his team, it was a welcome return to the field.

“It was a long pre-season but being a very youthful side, the enthusiasm was high all the way through,” Harper said.

“It is good to get a win first up, and Glenorchy is always a hard ground to come to.

“We nearly got to the season before it got shut off and the excitement and enthusiasm from the group was probably the highest we have seen at TSL level.

“We went away and had a two-week break where we did nothing.

“When we came back, it was in pairs at first and then we went into bigger groups and the enthusiasm and excitement hadn’t changed.

“Having that young group allows us to be more motivated and excited about everything going forward.”