Lauderdale focused on fixing small areas which have let side down in past three grand finals

One team has stood in Lauderdale’s way for the past three TSL seasons. Is 2020 the year they can finally climb to the top of the mountain?

Lauderdale co captains Josh McGuinness and Bryce Walsh. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

THE southern Bombers have proven to be the best of the rest for three consecutive years — but have been unable to break down their northern counterparts on the biggest stage. Can Darren Winter’s men finally shake their bridesmaid tag? ADAM SMITH casts his eye over Lauderdale’s chances

Senior coach: Darren Winter

Senior captains: Bryce Walsh & Josh McGuinness

Last year: runner up (15 wins 7 losses)

2019 best & fairest: Bryce Walsh

2019 leading goal kicker: Alex Saunders (24)

Gains: Will Holland (Tigers), Toutai Havea (year off), Jake Dance (Cygnet), Jarrod Westell (year off), Tom Steele (ODFA)

Losses: Edward Trupp (travel), Alex Hill (OHA), Thor Boscott (Cygnet)

RELATED: Tigers hoping to back up breakthrough finals appearance

THREE TO WATCH

Josh Williams: After featuring in 15 regular season matches and the qualifying final, Williams missed Lauderdale’s last three finals matches, including the grand final loss. The wingman has trained the house down and will be looking to solidify his spot in the senior side in 2020

Jake Dance: Kicked 33 goals in 16 matches for Cygnet last season and is now taking the jump to State League level. The livewire small forward will add another dimension to the Bombers forward 50, and has impressed since joining the club.

Sam Siggins: The 194cm utility is one of the most flexible players in the competition, able to play a variety of roles across the ground. Has already proven his credentials and now entering the prime of his career could be set to elevate his game to another level

Sam Siggins is entering the prime of his career. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

COACH SAYS

“There are little things we probably slipped on in the grand final, they were only small things and we probably had the game in the balance in the last quarter and we just didn’t get the job done again. We know we are playing a good team, we just have to get better at those things. We have a clear focus on what we didn’t do well, if we can fix those up I think we will be a lot more competitive in big games.”

Darren Winter, Lauderdale Coach. Pictures: ALASTAIR BETT

PREDICTION

There is no doubting Lauderdale has bridged the gap on North Launceston in the past three years, but it has meant little as the side has still fallen short on the day that matters. The Bombers still have the depth and talent for another genuine premiership tilt, the biggest question will be whether they can mentally keep going back to the well.