Clarence shows its finals credentials with a 26-point win over the TSL’s reigning premier

Need for speed - Clarence downs reigning champion Kingborough in a fast and furious TSL contest at Blundstone Arena

TSL. Clarence V Tigers. Archie Jones Clarence and Colin Skeen Tigers. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Clarence staked its claim for early TSL premiership favouritism after mauling the Tigers in a frenetic Gadomski-Riewoldt trophy clash at Blundstone Arena on Saturday but the Roos say it’s too early to mention the “F” word.

It was an encounter that showcased the skill and speed of the state’s top competition and it wasn’t until deep into the fourth quarter that Clarence’s pressure saw the match tilt in its favour, the Roos sealing their third win of the season.

Despite being second on the ladder, undefeated, and passing an enormous test against the reigning champion, coach Peter Ryan said Clarence was not even thinking about the finals with so little water under the bridge this season.

TSL. Clarence V Tigers. Archie Jones Clarence and Colin Skeen Tigers. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“No – it’s a long year and we are really looking forward to the challenge next week of going up to play North Launceston at UTas Stadium,” Ryan said.

“We just focus on each week and see where we land at the end of the year.”

In the change rooms after the game, the Roos were understandably pleased with their efforts.

“It was a hard, tight contest, so there was a little bit of relief but everyone was also extremely proud,” Ryan said.

“There was excitement in the group about coming through with such a good win against quality opposition.”

TSL. Clarence V Tigers. Harry Fisher and Noah Holmes Clarence. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

After such a top-shelf contest, Ryan took a swipe at TSL nay-sayers on social media for criticising the competition.

“It was just a great game and a great advertisement for TSL footy,” he said.

The clash of Roos’ defender Liam Howard against Tiger titan Tyler Carter was a highlight of the game.

“Liam was fantastic, James Bealey continued his great start to the season, but the one I really though put us back in the game was Noah Holmes in the ruck,” Ryan said.

“His battle with [Jack] Tomkinson was great to watch, especially at the centre bounces.

“I thought Noah really stepped up when we really need someone to.”

TSL. Clarence V Tigers. Nick Baker Tigers. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Ryan has been working to imbed his game-plan and system into his team for the past two seasons and the win against the competition’s newly-crowned powerhouse shows it is starting to work.

“We have good belief in our system and we know that if we play our brand of footy we will challenge most team,” Ryan said.

“In the second half we got the game on our terms.

“We really had that view of making them accountable for us and try to put them pressure on them, and that came to fruition for us.

“It gives us belief that our best is good enough.

“But we need to compete for longer in games and get the little things right, because we are still making mistakes.”