How to watch Tasmania’s mens and womens hockey semi-finals

Tasmanian Premier League hockey finals begin today with close contests expected in the men’s and women’s competitions. HOW TO WATCH OUR EXCLUSIVE LIVESTREAM >>

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THE North West Graduates and Derwent have carved out some classic encounters recently and both sides are primed for their next instalment in Saturday’s men’s hockey semi-final.

The men’s premier league rivals fought out one for the ages at the same stage last year, battling a torrential downpour and a pitch change mid-match before Derwent claimed a last-gasp 3-2 win.

North-West Grads finished on top in the women’s competition, and take on OHA f or a spot in the grand final at 2pm.

The loser survives to take on elimination-final winner, between defending champion Derwent and Diamondbacks at noon.

The Mercury will continue its live streaming for digital subscribers with coverage of Saturday’s women’s semi-final between the North West Graduates and OHA at 2pm, followed by the men’s semi-final between the North West Graduates and Derwent from 3.30pm. Go to www.themercury.com.au to watch the livestream.

Hockey, Jean Flanagan (OHA) and Louisa Jacobson (NWG) at New Town. Picture Chris Kidd

REWATCH THE JUNIOR HOCKEY FINALS:

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North West Graduates and Derwent men’s contests this season have been tight, with the Graduates victorious in round one (4-3) and round 11 (2-1), while the spoils were shared in round six (3-3).

Despite not having beaten the Graduates this year, Derwent premiership coach Nathan Fitzpatrick is adamant there is a big advantage in going straight through to the October 17 grand final.

Hockey, Vaughn Bowen (DER) and James Bourke (NWG) at New Town. Picture Chris Kidd

“While an argument can be made that playing an extra game in the lead-up to a grand final is beneficial, there are of course no guarantees,” Fitzpatrick said.

“Both (fellow finalists) University and OHA have been playing some good hockey, so it’s not a risk we would like to take.”

Graduates coach Stephen McMullen has signalled 2020 as his final year as a premier league coach and has recalled Marcus Richardson to his side.

“I notified the club in February that was the case because I feel it’s time for this group to hear a different voice,” McMullen said.

“There could be no better way for me personally to go out than with a premiership, and I know the group are keen for that, however, I want them to win it for them.”