Clarence lock up third spot and end North Hobart’s season; TSL finals likely set

The make-up of the first week of the TSL finals is likely set after Clarence and Lauderdale won big on Saturday. See the likely finals week one matches.

Bryce Alomes (Clarence) and Bradley Young (North Hobart) contest the footy on Saturday. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The penultimate round of the TSL season may just have decided the make-up of the first week of finals with Clarence’s win over North Hobart – combined with Lauderdale’s shock victory over Launceston – locking the Roos into third spot on the ladder.

Despite a round still to be played, results on Saturday mean it’s likely both the first and second semi-finals will be played in Hobart – that’s baring a Kingborough loss and a huge North Launceston win next weekend.

Colin Garland (Clarence) tackles Austin Keeling (North Hobart). Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The Roos 12.15 (87) to 4.8 (32) win over the Demons – which all-but ended North Hobart’s finals dreams – lacked the finals like intensity it probably deserved given what was on the line for both sides.

The home team never really fired a shot and finished the first half with just one major to Nick Jackson with the visitors work off halfback giving them first use further up the field.

While it definitely wasn’t the reason they lost, a late Austin Keeling hit on 100th gamer James Holmes postmark – that resulted in a 50m penalty and goal – sucked any life out of a comeback with Jackson’s goal cutting the margin back to eight points just prior to the incident.

The Roos went on to kick ten goals to three for the rest of the game with coach Peter Ryan incredibly pleased to lock up a home do or die semi-final.

“Super proud of the group,” Ryan said.

“The whole season we’ve been really challenged and I said to the group post-game that their ability to push through adversity is a credit to them.

“We get a home final and lock in third spot so from where we’ve come at the middle part of the year is just a fantastic effort.”

While he only finished with two goals, Noah Holmes’s work around the contest and in the air was crucial in the win while Keegan Wylie’s game in the back 50 continued to prove why he is one of the competition’s best defenders.

“Noah kicked some real clutch goals that probably stopped North Hobart’s momentum and Keegan’s run and drive in the back-half was really strong for us,” Ryan said.

“Keegan is probably one of the first picked just because you know what you are getting out of him.

“He gives us great strength and leadership down there and uses the ball exceptionally well.”

Keegan Wylie (Clarence) was easily the Roos’ best player in the win. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Lauderdale’s 12.11 (83) to 9.3 (57) win over the reigning premiers was a strong way to end its season with the Bombers recovering after the Blues kicked the game’s opening four goals.

In the final round 20 clash, North Launceston responded strongly from last week’s defeat with a 102-point thumping of Glenorchy at KGV.

The northern Bombers jumped out to an early 22-point lead at quarter-time before 15 goals to four across the next three quarters blew the margin beyond the double digit figure.

Playing-coach Brad Cox-Goodyer finished with four goals while vice-captain Nathan Pearce also booted four in the win.