Glenorchy “reshapes” mindset of North Hobart ahead of crunch round six State League clash

For the past two years North Hobart has floated at the bottom end of the TSL table. But the Demons are rising, and Glenorchy coach Paul Kennedy is aware how dangerous they can be

North Hobart football players, captain Nathan McCulloch and Hugh Williams ahead of their clash with Glenorchy. Picture: Zak Simmonds

• Pies to keep Demons guessing
• North Hobart shapes up against best from south

GLENORCHY has spent time this week “reshaping” their perception of a resurgent North Hobart as the two sides square off in a crunch TSL clash at KGV.

Cellar dwellers for the past two seasons, the building Demons have shown they are more than deserving to be considered a legitimate finals contender in 2020.

A dominant performance against Lauderdale, coupled with a strong showing against reigning premier North Launceston and pushing unbeaten Launceston to the death last weekend has put Pies coach Paul Kennedy on notice.

The round six showdown is pivotal for both clubs. North Hobart can sure up third spot on the ladder while Glenorchy, who opened its account prior to its bye with a heart-stopper over the Tigers, can regain touch with the top four.

Glenorchy coach Paul Kennedy has his players on high alert against North Hobart. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

“They have been really good, we talked this week about I guess reshaping our mindset about North Hobart,” Kennedy said.

“The last two years they have been thought of as the wooden spooners, now they are a good football team and they have proved that.

“We watched some vision of their really good stuff and everyone watched it and said “this is a good team” and our defensive fundamentals have to be spot on to stop them opening up the ground.

“They really take the game on, our pressure at the source has to be really good.”

Kennedy is hopeful his side will have three big inclusions, with Ben Kamaric, Sam Rundle and Matt Dilger all named as emergencies but only needing to pull up well from Thursday’s training session to return.

The Demons have lost Jayden Charlton to a shoulder injury and sent Angus Norton back to the Development League to find some touch, and will blood senior debutant George McLeod.

“He gets his opportunity, it is always great when you have a first gamer,” coach Richard Robinson said.

Round 5 TSL match between North Hobart v Launceston from North Hobart Oval. North Hobart's Troy Cunliffe. Picture: Zak Simmonds

“George has been really good, a young Devil who can play off half back or through the midfield, he is very versatile, uses the ball well, he has been in good form for the last three or four weeks.”

Robinson said his emerging group is ready to end a barren run at KGV.

“We are very excited, I spoke to the boys last night this is a rival game.

“Other clubs talk up rivals games but Glenorchy and North Hobart are traditional rivals and have been for a long time.

“We can’t wait to get out to KGV tomorrow and make a good account of ourselves.”

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