TSL Football: 2018 Club guide — Glenorchy
GLENORCHY’S premiership defence never really got out of second gear last year but ADAM SMITH expects the black and white army to bounce back this season.
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GLENORCHY’S premiership defence never really got out of second gear, with injuries and some poor form curtailing the side’s influence last year. Aaron Cornelius has moved on, with Paul Kennedy taking the reins. The club still has nearly 30 players on the list who played senior football in 2017, expects the black and white army to be around the mark again this season.
Senior coach: Paul Kennedy
Senior captain: Brayden Webb
Last year: 5th (12 wins 7 losses)
Last senior flag: 2016
2017 best and fairest: Jaye Bowden
2017 leading goalkicker: Jaye Bowden (53)
Gains: Daniel Joseph (Aspley, NEAFL), Josh Grant (Claremont), Mitch Walker (Tigers)
Losses: Jordan Arnold (Aspley, NEAFL), Liam Smith (Balwyn), Mitch Hills (retired), Ben Reynolds (retired)
2018 FIXTURE
Round 1 Bye
Round 2 v Lauderdale (KGV) Apr 7, 2pm
Round 3 v North Launceston (UTAS Stadium), Apr 14, 2pm
Round 4 v North Hobart (KGV) Apr 20, 7pm
Round 5 v Tigers (Twin Ovals), Apr 25, 3pm
Round 6 v Clarence (KGV), May 5, 1pm
Round 7 v Launceston (Windsor Park), May 12, 2pm
Round 8 Bye
Round 9 v Lauderdale (Lauderdale) May 26, 2pm
Round 10 v North Launceston (KGV), Jun 2, 2pm
Round 11 v Tigers (KGV) Jun 9, 2pm
Round 12 v North Hobart (North Hobart), Jun 16, 2pm
Round 13 v Clarence (KGV), Jun 23, 2pm
Round 14 v Launceston (KGV), Jun 30, 2pm
Round 15 Bye
Round 16 v Lauderdale (Lauderdale) Jul 14, 2pm
Round 17 v North Launceston (KGV), Jul 21, 2pm
Round 18 v North Hobart (KGV) Jul 28, 2pm
Round 19 v Tigers (Twin Ovals), Aug 4, 2pm
Round 20 v Clarence (Blundstone Arena), Aug 11, 2pm
Round 21 v Launceston (Windsor Park), Aug 18, 2pm
Coach says:
“The time for us is right to be investing in our younger players, we can’t hang on to the era which has just finished, we have to build for the next one. The fact we still have Rhys Mott and Jaye Bowden and Josh Arnold and Webb and Cameron Duffy, we really can start building the new era with those pillars still in place.” — Paul Kennedy
Three to watch
1. Harrison Gunther: The talented youngster was overlooked at last year’s national draft after being touted as a potential smoky selection. Has not let the disappointment get to him and following a big pre-season has been voted into the leadership group. Look for the forward to go to another level in 2018.
2. Daniel Joseph: A 2016 premiership defender, Joseph returns to the Pies in massive boost for the club. Won Aspley’s best and fairest for an outstanding season in the NEAFL last year — where he averaged 18 disposals, five marks and 3.5 rebound 50s — and was invited to the AFL’s “Rookie Me Combine”.
3. Ryan Banks-Smith: Has floated in and out of the senior side in the past couple of years but the Mariner looks set for a breakout campaign. Has added some bulk to his frame and will add another dimension to the side once state underage duties are complete.
Prediction
A disappointing 2017 as defending premiers ended with a surprise elimination final loss to Launceston. New coach Paul Kennedy brings a wealth of VFL experience to the helm, and the Pies will be looking to bounce back to be a genuine top three threat. A midfield containing Jaye Bowden, Rhys Mott and Brayden Webb remains among the best in the competition, but how far the club can go will depend on the next generation stepping up.
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