TSL Football: 2018 Club guide — Lauderdale

LAUDERDALE created club history by reaching its maiden TSL grand final last year. ADAM SMITH expects the Bombers to again be challenging for silverware.

Lauderdale captain Bryce Walsh, coach Darren Winter and vice-captain Josh McGuiness are looking to go one better in the TSL this year. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

LAUDERDALE created club history by reaching its maiden TSL grand final last year, only to run into a red-hot North Launceston and be overpowered on the big stage. With some exciting recruits and the experience of 2017, expect the Bombers to again be challenging for silverware.

Senior coach: Darren Winter

Senior captain: Bryce Walsh

Last year: 2nd (15-7)

Last senior flag: 1991 (TAFL)

2017 best and fairest: Nat Franklin

2017 leading goal-kicker: Thor Boscott (44)

Gains: Simon Kennedy (Dodges Ferry), Nick Burk (travel), Nick Raglione (Clarence), Jarrod Fisher (Clarence), Timothy Mosquito (Waratah, Northern Territory), Henry Kerinaiua (Waratah), Kim Kanitilla (Waratah), Leo Harrison (Deer Park, Melbourne), Nic Baker (North Hobart), Blake Newell (injury)

Losses: Dylan Fyfe (Southport)

2018 FIXTURE

Round 1 v Clarence (Lauderdale) Mar 31, 2pm

Round 2 v Glenorchy (KGV) Apr 7, 2pm

Round 3 v Launceston (Lauderdale) Apr 14, 2pm

Round 4 v Tigers (Twin Ovals), Apr 20, 7:15pm

Round 5 Bye

Round 6 v North Hobart (North Hobart) May 5, 2pm

Round 7 v North Launceston (UTAS Stadium) May 12, 2pm

Round 8 v Clarence (Lauderdale) May 20, 2pm

Round 9 v Glenorchy (Lauderdale) May 26, 2pm

Round 10 v Launceston (Lauderdale) Jun 2, 2pm

Round 11 Bye

Round 12 v Tigers (Twin Ovals), Jun 16, 2pm

Round 13 v North Hobart (Lauderdale) Jun 23, 2pm

Round 14 v North Launceston (UTAS Stadium) Jun 30, 2pm

Round 15 v Clarence (Blundstone Arena) Jul 7, 2pm

Round 16 v Glenorchy (Lauderdale) Jul 14, 2pm

Round 17 v Launceston (Windsor Park) Jul 21, 2pm

Round 18 v Tigers (Lauderdale) Jul 28, 2pm

Round 19 Bye

Round 20 v North Hobart (North Hobart) Aug 11, 2pm

Round 21 v North Launceston (Lauderdale) Aug 18, 2pm

Tim Mosquito is an exciting pick up for the Bombers.

Three to watch

1. Tim Mosquito: One of the Bombers’ exciting new additions set to electrify the TSL in 2018. Mosquito is a dashing defender who can also spend time in the middle of the ground. Won the Darwin NTFL best and fairest award last year, and finished fifth this year.

2. Ben McGuinness: Looks set to continue his rise after showing glimpses of his talents last year. While noted as a rebounding defender, he showed in the qualifying final last year he can be just as dangerous up forward, booting four goals and pulling down several big marks.

3. Josh Williams: Another local product who has come all the way through the Bombers junior system. Williams, who switches between a wing and a half forward flank, has impressed during the pre-season and is looking to become a permanent fixture this year.

COACH SAYS:

“There is no illusion we are going to take one step further this year, there is a long way to go and a lot of hard work to do. If we get the opportunity, we think we will have that experience to take a step forward, there is a bit of a steely look in their eye, a determination to bounce back really quickly.” — Darren Winter

Prediction:

Having bolstered its depth with a strong off-season, there is no reason why Lauderdale shouldn’t be considered the leading southern club in 2018 and again pushing for a top three spot. As polarising as Darren Winter can be at times, there is no question he has full backing of the playing group and they will be determined to use the pain of grand final defeat to improve this year.