Clarence cements second on SFL Premier League ladder with a 51-point win over Glenorchy
Clarence set out to celebrate a favourite son’s 200th game but with its big win the Roos may also have uncovered Tasmania’s next representative mifielder.
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A five-goal masterclass by Josh Green powered Clarence to a 51-point SFL Premier League win over Glenorchy at Ninja Stadium on Saturday in game that may have uncovered a new contender to play for Tasmania against Sydney/Canberra at North Hobart Oval next Saturday.
Clarence coach Grant Fagan was a big wrap for his hard-running midfielder Jarvis Breen, who was among the Roos’ best as they disposed of their traditional rival to celebrate Jarrod Harper’s 200th senior game in red and white.
Everything about the day was in respect for the 10th member of Clarence’s 200 club, watched by fellow-members like Scott McCallum and Nick Davey _ even the Pies lined up as Harper was chaired off after the game.
“It was a big build-up for us and something the players aren’t used to, but they all handled it pretty well,” Fagan said.
“They love the bloke, he’s a terrific guy, and to get a win like that was fantastic.”
Clarence was electric in the first half, piling on 8.8 to 2.3 to lead by 41 at the long break.
The Magpies were brave in the second half, hitting back to almost outscore the home team.
Glenorchy kicked four consecutive goals in the third quarter, all in red time, and by kicking the first goal of the final term cut the margin to 35.
After that Clarence’s backline, led by Blake Harper, clamped down and at the other end goals to Max Mapley, Green and Jarrod Harper boosted Clarence to a comfortable win.
“A lot of our blokes played really well but I thought Blake Harper did a fantastic job down back,” Fagan said.
Another player impressed the coach even more.
“Jarvis Breen was outstanding,” Fagan said.
“If I was Jeromey Webberley [Tasmania men’s senior coach] I would consider playing him in the state team next weekend.
“That’s how good he was.”
Breen’s gangbuster style could be just what Tasmania needs after its loss to Queensland at Latrobe last weekend.
“He’s got speed, he delivers the ball beautifully, he’s a competitor, he’s not frightened, and loves a challenge,” Fagan said.
“He will break sides open with his pace.
“I hope they consider playing him this week because I think he’d make a real impact.”
Glenorchy’s day got worse when it lost one of its favouirte sons, Matty Joseph, from the game after a heavy knock late in the third term.
The win cemented Clarence’s spot in second on the ladder, with North Hobart moving into third with its 29-point win over Brighton at Pontville Oval led by stand-out games by Nathan Janes and Tom Prokopiec.
Kingborough slid down the charts to fifth after its 53-point loss to Lauderdale at Lauderdale Oval.
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