Tigers could lose up to three players for do-or-die TSL clash with Lauderdale

The Tigers are down, not out, according to their coach, but they face the loss of key players for their must-win clash with Lauderdale as they push to keep their finals hopes alive.

The Tigers will most likely be without Lachlan Gadomski next week after he tore his hamstring against North Launceston. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

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THE TSL Tigers will go into next week’s do-or-die clash with Lauderdale without former Gold Coast Sun Mackenzie Willis, defender Lachie Gadomski and possibly half-back Lochie Griggs after Saturday’s loss to North Launceston at the Twin Ovals.

Willis told the group after the Tigers’ 56-point defeat that he must return to life and responsibilities on the Gold Coast and thanked the Tiger kings for making him feel so welcome.

Mackenzie Willis will be heading back to the Gold Coast to resume his duties with the AFL club. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Gadomski suffered a bad hamstring tear in the third quarter and Griggs was knocked out in a sickening head clash in the second. He was taken to hospital as a precaution.

“They were a bit worried about a burst eardrum for Lochie Griggs and he’s got a bit of concussion, so better to be safe than sorry,” said Tigers coach Trent Baumeler.

“I’d suggest we won’t see Lachie Gadomski next week and depending on the severity of Lochie Griggs’ concussion and the protocols he has got to go through, we are not going to risk him if he’s not 100 per cent right.”

Lochie Griggs was knocked out in a sickening head clash in the second and was taken to hospital. Picture: SOLSTICE DIGITAL

The personnel problem was a blow the Tigers did not need but Baumeler said the club’s season is not over.

“Mathematically, there’s still a heartbeat,” Baumeler said.

“We need a lot of things to go our way.

“We need to beat Lauderdale next week and for North Hobart to beat Clarence.

“There’s a pulse. It’s slight, but there’s a pulse.”

The priority will be for the Tigers to get their own house in order and let the cards fall where they may.

“We will concentrate on our own game and getting the things we want right and that’s what we will try to do next week against Lauderdale – that’s a massive challenge in itself,” Baumeler said.

“We will stay positive. We will learn from today’s game, and go at it full force next week.”