North Hobart won’t hand a fairytale ending to Glenorchy star’s State League career on a platter

Glenorchy has loaded up its firepower for Jaye Bowden’s TSL swan song but North Hobart is ready to return serve.

Richard Robinson says his Demons have enough motivation without needing to focus on spoiling Jaye Bowden’s last TSL match. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

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North Hobart has enough motivation of its own without focusing on attempting to spoil the TSL farewell of Jaye Bowden.

The Demons, winless since toppling Lauderdale in round three, host a Glenorchy side desperate to send one of Tasmanian football’s modern day greats off in style.

The Pies have recalled the cavalry for the clash — Rhys Mott returns from Ulverstone after the Robins failed to reach the NWFL finals, while gun forward Aiden Grace is set to make his first appearance since suffering ankle ligament damage in round three.

Ryan Banks-Smith and Matthew Joseph were also recalled after missing the midweek loss to Lauderdale, while Daniel Joseph and Matt Dilger could be late inclusions.

Jaye Bowden will play his final game for Glenorchy against North Hobart on Sunday. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

North coach Richard Robinson, who played alongside a young Bowden in 2007 and 2008, paid tribute to the star Pie, but declared sentiment would be shelved as his side looks to avoid back-to-back State League wooden spoons.

“As a footballer, consistently over the journey he has been the best player to have played in the State League,” Robinson said.

“He is the hardest player to try and match up on wherever he is.

“I don’t feel bad [potentially spoiling the farewell], we’ll go out there and we will be very combative towards him and the Glenorchy boys.

“They are obviously going to be up with Jaye’s final game of TSL but we have our own motivations and are really looking forward to the challenge.

“They have a lot of their senior boys back in they rested on Wednesday night, we want to beat them and beat them with their best side in.”

Although the hosts will be without Baxter Norton (broken hand), his loss is offset by the inclusion of midfield warrior Troy Cunliffe while Jayden Charlton and Bailey Walker could also return from concussion.

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