Launceston cops a blow with key forward Cody Thorp coat-hanged by TSL tribunal
Launceston is now without its two best forwards for TSL grand final after Cody Thorp copped a whack from the tribunal.
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REIGNING premier Launceston will shuffle its forward line for a blockbuster TSL grand final showdown with arch-rival North Launceston at UTas Stadium in Sunday after spearhead Cody Thorp copped a two-match suspension at the tribunal on Wednesday night.
Thorp was booked for “engaging in rough conduct” with Clarence defender Lachlan Borsboom after the quarter-time siren of their preliminary final at Windsor Park on Sunday, won by the Blues to the tune of 52 points.
The Match Review Office assessed the incident as a “classifiable offence” under rough conduct and to be deemed as “intentional conduct, with low impact and high contact”.
Thorp was offered a base sanction of two matches, reduced to one match with an early plea, which still would have ruled him out of the grand final.
Launceston rolled the dice and challenged it at the tribunal.
The tribunal upheld the original decision, and the full two-match suspension was applied.
Cody’s suspension increases the likelihood that his older brother, Launceston coach Mitch Thorp, will come into the side on Sunday after standing out of the preliminary final.
Launceston is now without its two potentent forwards — the TSL’s leading goalkkicker Dylan Riley (knee) and pack-buster Cody Thorp.
Big Blue to fight grand final ban
LAUNCESTON is embroiled in a tribunal battle that will test family ties as it prepares for Sunday’s TSL grand final against North Launceston.
Ruckman-forward Cody Thorp, 28, will contest was given a two-match ban for engaging in rough conduct against Clarence’s Lachlan Borsboom in Sunday’s preliminary final win over the Roos.
But the Blues have chosen to contest the match review panel’s findings and will take it Tuesday night’s tribunal hearing to clear Thorp for the decider.
Thorp’s absence would be a blow for the Blues given has kicked 30 goals in hus dual role and was named in the TSL team of the year.
Blues coach Mitch Thorp said as tough as it was, he had to focus on the group not just his younger brother.
“While I’m his brother, I’m also the coach of the team,” Mitch said.
“As blunt as it is, as harsh as it is Cody is only one player within our group.
“It is not ideal in finals to have players going to the tribunal so we will let it take its course. “He’s obviously important to our group, he was in the team of the year and played really well on the weekend so we are really hoping he will be out there but we’ll see how it pans out.”
If unsuccessful, the Blues could appeal the tribunal’s findings with that hearing to be held on Friday night, just two nights before the grand final.
Launceston does have experienced ruckman Hamish Leedham to bring in, but Mitch Thorp said the Blues could make a surprise inclusion if his younger brother was rubbed out give how important Cody has been as a goal kicker, especially in the absence of injured spearhead Dylan Riley.
“It might even be me for a straight swap, it might be brother for brother,” Mitch said.
“It would probably be more role based than a player so whether it is a key forward or whether it is a ruckman will probably dictate who comes in.”
A former top 10 AFL national draft pick, Mitch Thorp, 32, has only played three games this year as he focused more on coaching, for a return of three goals but has not played since taking on the Tigers in mid July.
“If I’m playing then obviously I would be confident otherwise I wouldn’t be out there,” he said.
“But we are getting too far ahead of the situation. We’ll see what happens with Cody tomorrow night first.
“We’ve still got our main training session on Thursday to work through a few things.”
Blues skipper says forward should be free to play in TSL grand final
LAUNCESTON captain Jobi Harper is confident match-winner Cody Thorp will free to play in the TSL grand final against arch-rival North Launceston at UTAS Stadium on Sunday despite a potential tribunal appearance hanging over the Blues’ big forward.
The Match Review Panel normally sits on a Monday, but will convene on Tuesday for a review of Launceston’s 52-point preliminary final win over Clarence at Windsor Park on Sunday.
Thorp was involved in a collision that left Clarence defender worse for wear.
The younger brother of Launceston coach Mitch Thorp, who did not play, Cody faces an anxious wait for the result of the MRP.
Fresh from tearing Clarence to shreds with an amazing performance in the midfield, which included 35 disposals and 15 contested possessions, Harper hopes Cody will be okay.
“I didn’t see it but I think Cody should be fine from what I’ve heard,” Harper said.
“At this stage we plan for Cody to play, but finger crossed Cody’s fine to play – I’m sure he’ll be fine.
“It won’t be a distraction.”
Mitch Thorp said Cody was important to the team’s structure.
“This is why I haven’t been playing – my younger brother is 3cm taller, he’s 5kg heavier and he’s a huge competitor,” he said.
“That’s what we need in big games.”
Beating the Roos gave Launceston the chance to defend its premiership.
“It’s very exciting for the football club with the Development League and seniors making another State League grand final, same as last year,” Harper said.
The TSL grand final weekend kicks off with the under-18’s showdown between Clarence and Lauderdale at North Hobart Oval at 5.45pm on Friday.
Grand final day at UTas Stadium on Sunday sees Launceston take on Clarence in the Development League at 11.30am, and the main event between North Launceston and Launceston at 2.30pm.
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