North Hobart could lose up to eight players for their Anzac Day clash
It could be a nightmare at the selection table for the Demons ahead of their SFL Premier League clash with Lauderdale on Anzac Day. Here’s why they might lose almost half of their starting 18.
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North Hobart could be forced make up to eight changes for its top-of-the-ladder Anzac Day clash with Lauderdale at North Hobart Oval on Friday including the return of “constant nightmare” Ryan Martin.
The 26-year-old forward comes in for his SFL Premier League debut after switching to the Dees from Lindisfarne at the end of last year.
After last week’s loss to Clarence, North Hobart lost Callum Kilpatrick to concussion while former St Kilda and Melbourne player Luke Dunstan goes back to his Melbourne suburban club South Belgrave.
“At this stage Luke’s game was just a one-off, South Belgrave had a bye and his brother Jed is at the club (North Hobart) so he had a game with us,” coach Adam Bester said.
“It was great he was able to come in and share their experience with us, and I think it shows where we are going as a club to be able to get these quality people to our club.”
The Demons could also lose up to six Devils including Archie Devine, Anthony Volta, Jack Miller, Wilbur McMurray, Tom Prokopiec and Nathaniel Sulzberger.
Bester will have to dig deep into his Development League list to counter the losses.
“Troy Cunliffe is available, so is Zac Mastrocola, and some of the boys who had been in the senior team but went back last week played really well in the D-League,” he said.
“I’m confident we can cover those guys.”
Martin sat out the start of the Premier League season serving a three-match suspension from the SFL grand final last year.
When North Hobart announced Martin as a recruit for 2025, the club described him as “one of the best forwards in the SFL, a constant nightmare for defenders and last season kicked 68 goals for Lindisfarne”.
Martin adds firepower to an attack which includes Matthew Yates, Jack Miller, Sam Caswell and Josch Bingham, who have kicked a combined 19 goals in the opening three games.
“Ryan’s a lively forward who is stepping up to SFL Premier League, and that’s exciting,” Bester said.
“He’s a mature body and has played a lot of senior footy so he adds experience, he knows how to find the footy and hit the scoreboard.
“He also adds versatility being able to go through the midfield as well, so he’s going to be a good addition for us that’s for sure.”
There will be a pre-game traditional Anzac Day service at 2.30pm, followed by the senior game at 3pm.
Kingborough and Glenorchy also play on Anzac Day at the Twin Ovals at 2pm, while Clarence and Brighton play at Ninja Stadium at 1.30pm on Saturday.
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