Coach Richard Robinson has warned of changes ahead for the SFL’s rep team for clash with north

SFL coach Richard Robinson and his assistants must find room for five Premier League stars for the Tri-Series decider against NTFA. See what he said about the headache they’re facing.

SFL Premier League. Josh Green Clarence. Kingborough V Clarence. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The SFL could make up to five changes for its Tri-Series showdown with the NTFA at North Hobart Oval next week as its tries to squeeze stars like Sam Siggins, Andrew Phillips and Josh Green into the team that beat the NWFL last Saturday.

It’s the tap on the shoulder no player wants but coach Richard Robinson and his assistant-coaches are bracing to make one of the cruelest cuts in football.

Lauderdale pair Siggins and Phillips, Clarence teammates Green and Roos vice-captain Oscar Paprotny, and North Hobart ball-magnet Tom Reeves were unavailable for game one.

SFL Premier League. Ben Richmond Clarence and Andrew Phillips Lauderdale. Clarence V Lauderdale. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

It gave others an opportunity to show their wares at the representative level.

“That’s why we picked a big squad. We knew it was going to be a big campaign and there were guys who took their opportunity in game one who will play in game two,” Robinson said.

“We are also mindful that there are players to come back in.

“We expect everyone’s training standards and commitment to be maintained as high to help us pick the best team possible.”

North Hobart vice-captain Tom Reeves in full flight for Tasmania against Norwood. Picture Linda Higginson Solstice Digital

Robinson was proud of the south’s hit-and-run raid on the North-West Coast.

“We were down early but we, as a coaching group, identified a few things that needed to be fixed and to the players’ credit they did everything we asked of them after quarter-time,” he said.

“It was an arm-wrestle for most of the day, and we were able to capitalize in the last quarter, and I thought we thoroughly deserved to win.”

The selection dilemma is the type of headache a coach wants.

“We have got an obligation to pick the best side we can put on the park and there are going to be some tough decisions,” Robinson said.

“But that’s the nature of footy – 30 doesn’t go into 22.”

That makes this weekend’s round of Premier League games critical.

“Form from the game last weekend will definitely come into consideration,” Robinson said.

“We have been very diligent in watching game of football since round one.

“We will be at games this week watching players perform and if their form holds up, and they have done well in the first game, then they give themselves every opportunity to play in the second game.”

Robinson will scrutinise the Kingborough-Glenorchy match at the Twin Ovals, Nick Probert will watch the Brighton-Clarence game at Pontville Oval, and Brent Dolliver will be at the North Hobart-Lauderdale contest at North Hobart Oval in his role as Bombers coach.

The squad trained at Queenborough Oval on Wednesday night and have a final hit-out next Wednesday leading into the game.