Glenorchy gun set to miss round two as Pies look to bounce back from first up loss to Launceston

After being a late withdrawal for round one, Glenorchy great Jaye Bowden is unlikely to be risked for this weekend’s clash with Lauderdale on order to give him a “clear run”.

Jaye Bowden (centre) helps out from the sidelines during last week’s TSL opener between Glenorchy and Launceston. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

• Glenorchy TSL season preview
• Pies turn to former basketballer to lead ruck division

STATE League star Jaye Bowden is unlikely to be risked for Glenorchy’s round two clash with Lauderdale as the club takes a careful approach with one of its most prized assets.

Bowden was a late withdrawal from the Pies opening round loss to Launceston with a tight hamstring, which coach Paul Kennedy said related from an issue with his core.

While the temptation was to manage the veteran through another campaign — especially with skipper Brayden Webb and rebounding defender Daniel Joseph still working back from long term knee injuries — Kennedy said the decision was made to get on top of Bowden’s issue.

“The plan with him was two weeks, he had a program of two weeks to be ready to play again,” Kennedy said.

“He is probably a little ahead of schedule and trained last night but I still think it is unlikely he plays this week.

Jaye Bowden flies for a mark against North Hobart last year. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

“There was some stuff causing him issues around his core, the physio identified it is something that would keep coming back unless we fixed it.

“His view was — and Jaye and I both agreed — it was better to get it right now before he plays and then he can have a clear run at it rather than trying to manage it through the season.”

Joseph played a half in the development league last week in his first match in 14 months, with Kennedy expecting him to be available in the coming weeks.

“He was better for the run, but he still feels like he needs another week or two to get that body back into condition needed for senior footy.

“He will know when he’s ready.”

Glenorchy coach Paul Kennedy addresses his players at quarter time at Launceston. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Glenorchy mixed it with premiership fancy Launceston early but failed to kick a goal after halftime as the Blues ran out 26 point victors.

Kennedy declared there was still enough to like to take into battle with the Bombers, who opened their campaign with a comfortable victory against Clarence.

“In terms of where we are heading, there was some good progress and the way Launceston played showed us clearly a couple of things that we weren’t sharp enough at.

“Particularly some structural stuff which wasn’t quite right, but we can adjust that.

“It was good to get a hit out against a really good team and know exactly where we are at.”

Follow @ajsmiddy