Kingborough set to host 2023 TSL Grand Final after huge win over North Launceston
The 2023 TSL Grand Final is set to be played in the south of the state following Kingborough’s big win over North Launceston.
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Kingborough are set to host the 2023 Tasmanian State League grand final at North Hobart Oval in two weeks thanks to a blistering third-quarter display against North Launceston in Saturday’s Qualifying Final.
The minor premiers booted seven goals to zero in the third-term to secure themselves a 36-point win – 10.11 (71) to 5.5 (35) and a second consecutive grand final appearance.
It wasn’t all good news though with superstar midfielder Kieran Lovell finishing the game with a hamstring injury in what was also his first game back since round 17 after overcoming a calf complaint.
Tigers coach Trent Baumeler was confident post-game that the hamstring injury wouldn’t see one of the competition’s premier on-ballers miss the grand final.
“He (Lovell) came back on for a little bit but we had the discussion that if we risk it he will be out,” Baumeler said.
“The docs are already very confident that with an extra week up our sleeves that there should be no issues for him with the grand final.”
After taking a seven-point lead into the first break, two goals to Bombers coach Brad Cox-Goodyer in the second-quarter had the Tigers down by four points at the half.
But a run of seven straight majors post-break flipped the contest right on its head with the work of forward trio Tyler Carter (three goals), James Zietzen (three) and Jake Williams (two) inside 50 the difference.
“The work of those guys inside 50 really came down to our ability to dominate centre bounce,” Baumeler said.
“That allowed us to get better entries because we felt like in the first half we didn’t have an issue getting it in but we needed to get some deeper entry.
“With the guys we have down there we knew if we could do that, then we would get the game back in our favour.”
Skipper Lachie Clifford and Eddie Cole were both terrific and key to the Tigers taking momentum back in the second half while Jack Tomkinson’s ability to influence the contest from the opening bounce with his physicality a clear standout.
“I was really pleased with ‘Tommo’ and his discipline as the game went on,” Baumeler said.
“Yeah it might not have been where it needed to be early but he was getting frustrated with a few calls that didn’t go his way but I thought he was really strong.
“His work in the ruck, especially in that third-quarter, was outstanding.”
The Tigers will now sit back and watch North Launceston and Clarence battle it out in next week’s preliminary final.
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