TSL Football: 2018 Club guide — Launceston

LAUNCESTON finished fifth after the home-and-away series last year and little was expected of it heading into the finals series. The Blues knew better. JAMES BRESNEHAN expects big things from the Blues this year.

Key Launceston players Jay Blackberry and Brodie Palfreyman. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

LAUNCESTON finished fifth after the home-and-away series last year and little was expected of it heading into the finals series. The Blues knew better. They were maturing rapidly under new coach Sam Lonergan. They surprised Glenorchy in the elimination final, shocked Clarence in the first-semi, and succumbed to Lauderdale in the preliminary final. After recruiting strongly, expect big things from the Blues this year.

Senior coach: Sam Lonergan

Captains: Hamish Leedham, Chris Savage

Last year: 3rd (11 wins, 10 losses)

Last senior flag: 2011

2017 best and fairest: Brodie Palfreyman

2017 leading goalkicker: Sonny Whiting 50

Gains: Mitch Thorp (Devonport), Dylan Riley (Devonport), Jobi Harper (Burnie), Giacomo Millucci (Ulvertone), Anthony Liberatore (Melbourne), Jamieson House (Burnie), Ethan Jackson (Burnie), Blair Ruboc (Burnie)

Losses: Connor Smith (Mackay, Qld), Corey Shephard (inj), Jordan Harris (Evandale), Nathan O’Donoughue (ret).

2018 FIXTURE

R1 v North Launceston (UTas Stadium), March 30, 6.30pm

R2 v North Hobart (Windsor Park) April 7, 2pm

R3 v Lauderdale (Lauderdale) April 14, 2pm

R4 v Bye

R5 v Clarence (Blundstone) April 28, 2pm

R6 v Tigers (Windsor Park) May 5, 2pm

R7 v Glenorchy (Windsor Park) May 12, 2pm

R8 v North Launceston (Windsor Park) May 19, 2pm

R9 v North Hobart (North Hobart) May 26, 2pm

R10 v Lauderdale (Lauderdale) June 2, 2pm

R11 v Clarence (Windsor Park) June 9, 2pm

R12 v Bye

R13 v Tigers (Twin Ovals) June 23, 2pm

R14 v Glenorchy (KGV) June 30, 2pm

R15 v North Launceston (UTas) July 6, 7pm

R16 v North Hobart (Windsor Park) July 15, 2pm

R17 v Lauderdale (Windsor Park) July 21, 2pm

R18 v Bye

R19 v Clarence (Windsor Park) August 4, 2pm

R20 v Tigers (Twin Ovals) August 11, 2pm

R21 v Glenorchy (Windsor Park) August 18, 2pm

Burnie's Jobi Harper is expected to lift Launceston’s midfield. Picture CHRIS KIDD

THREE TO WATCH

1: Jobi Harper: Missed a large chunk of last year at Burnie due to ankle injuries. Won’t play until after round five, but when he does will give Launceston serious grunt as an inside-midfielder.

2: Dylan Riley: His ability to read the play and potential to tear games apart make the state player a valuable pick-up.

3: Brendan Taylor: A skilful midfield-forward with an exceptional ability to hit targets ad sue the ball well. Has shown massive improvement in Launceston’s three practice games,

COACH SAYS:

“It is an exciting year ahead for the players and us as a footy club. We are going to have challenges across the course of the year and there will be many layers to the challenges. But it will be enjoyable once it all comes together and we can see the results. Aiming for a top four finish and give ourselves a good opportunity to play in a grand final.” — Sam Lonergan

PREDICTION

If they start this season like that finished last year, watch out. Sam Lonergan has the Blues playing a fast-paced possession game that creates many scoring opportunities. They recruited gun forward Mitch Thorp and state players Dylan Riley and Jobi Harper, adding to their goalkicking firepower and ball-winning ability. A grand final spot awaits.