Launceston coach faces tough decision on how much tall timber to take into cut throat semi final

Blessed with a list arguably the deepest and most talented in the State League, Launceston will need to make some tough calls at the selection table for its semi final showdown against Lauderdale

• Launceston powers into TSL finals
• Lauderdale gets perfect finals tune up

LAUNCESTON faces a selection conundrum ahead of its TSL semi final with coach Mitch Thorp tasked with deciding how many big men feature against Lauderdale.

Fresh from a last round bye, the Blues host the Bombers at Windsor Park with all of its talented list to choose from.

Spearhead Thorp and No. 1 ruckman Tim Auckland — who both missed the side’s last match against Clarence — are certain to return, with the big question surrounding whether Joe Groenewegen holds his spot.

Tim Auckland will return for Launceston in the semi-final after being rested from the Blues last match against Clarence. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Groenewegen shone in the absence of Auckland against the Roos, finishing with 12 disposals, 26 hit outs and five clearances.

It leaves Thorp and his match committee with some tough decisions, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Obviously at the start of the year when we had to make some difficult changes to our team, as an example Hamish Leedham, who has been a captain, played 100 games, dropping him leading into the round two North Launceston game, they are really difficult conversations to have,” Thorp said.

“We have had a number of them over the course of the year, but it has got to the point now where the boys understand it is healthy.

Joe Groenewegen (right) impressed for Launceston in the Round 12 TSL game between Clarence v Launceston. Picture: Solstice Digital

“A good football program, a good club, has depth and density and I have just been really honest with every decision I have made, I have given the time to the players who have not been selected and given them the reasons why.

“Tim was definitely rested, he wasn’t dropped by any means. He has had a terrific year, his ruck craft has really given our midfielders Jobi [Harper], Jay Blackberry and Fletcher Seymour and now Tim Jones some really good looks at the footy.

“Tim will be our No. 1 ruckman, the decision is does Joe remain in the side or not?

“I would think he is pretty close, he is a super talented player, 29, played over 100 games, won two best and fairests and two premierships.

TSL, Launceston coach Mitch Thorp has welcomed the selection headache he faces ahead of the semi-final. Picture Chris Kidd

“It is going to be difficult for him to make his way out but we have to pick the side on balance.”

Thorp said the bye came at the perfect time for his side to freshen up for a tilt at making its first State League grand final since losing to Burnie in 2012.

“We tailored our entire program really around having the bye last round.

“To qualify second, it gave us the advantage of the home final and we typically play pretty well at home.

“The football club hasn’t a hosted a final like this for over 12 years, it’s really exciting for us.”

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