North Hobart sharp shooter returns but Demons keep lid on expectations for Lauderdale clash

North Hobart heads into a crunch TSL clash against Lauderdale boosted by the return of spearhead Julian Dobosz, but wary it can’t rely solely on the goalkicking maestro to turn form around

North Hobart’s Jye Menzie is tackled by Harry Richmond (Lauderdale) in round three. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

• Junior Demon returns to Tasmania
• North Hobart shaking wooden spoon tag

NORTH Hobart refuses to lean on the return of Julian Dobosz as its messiah as it strives to recapture its aggressive best from earlier in the TSL season.

The Demons head to SkyBus Oval tomorrow for a clash with Lauderdale, armed with boom mid-season signing Dobosz from Melbourne.

The key forward will play his first State League match since 2015 — a year he led then Hobart City’s goal kicking and was named in the TSL team of the year — after being granted an exemption to reunite at his junior club following the coronavirus crisis in Victoria.

Julian Dobosz in action for Hobart City in 2015. Dobosz makes his TSL return this weekend. BYLINE: LUKE BOWDEN

While excited at having the classy sharp shooter at his disposal, Demons coach Richard Robinson is keeping expectations low on what will be Dobosz’s first official match for 2020.

“Having someone like Jules forward of the ball, obviously he is a goal kicker, but he is not only a goal kicker but he loves the Demons and he would be playing here if it wasn’t for his work commitments in Melbourne,” Robinson said.

“It is exciting for our group, the boys love him and there is no expectations, I just want him to go out there and compete and have some fun.

“Any coach loves a big full forward who can kick goals and create opportunities for other players around them, that’s what I’m sure Jules will do.

“But they [Melbourne] have been in lockdown longer than us. He is going to be better for the run.”

Julian Dobosz of Geelong kicks for goal during the AFL Community Championships at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne, Sunday, may 19, 2018. Eastern Football League v Geelong Football League. (AAP Image/James Ross)

The Demons defeated the Bombers in round three in arguably the club’s best performance under Robinson, and in its next outing after a bye pushed then undefeated ladder leader Launceston to three points.

However the side has dropped off in the past fortnight with disappointing defeats to Glenorchy and Clarence, and Robinson is hoping for a response against a side which is starting to find its mojo following a three week lean spell.

“Obviously when you are not winning of course you have concerns, we have addressed a few things we need to get better at.

“We know we are in a ruthless competition and if you don’t play to your best you are going to get found out.

“Unfortunately we have been found out the last couple of weeks. We are keen to get down there and make a good account of ourselves.

“I want us to be aggressive and I don’t just mean aggressive at the opposition or the ball, I want us to be aggressive with our ball movement.

“I want the boys to take the game on, move the ball quickly … that’s the reason we were playing good footy in the first part of the year.”

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