North Launceston outfit coming off a rare loss will provide stern challenge for buoyant Roos
Clarence opened it’s State League account in emphatic fashion last weekend but runs into the three time reigning premiers eager to bounce back from a rare defeat
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NORTH Launceston’s ability to respond from rare defeats has Clarence coach Jeromey Webberley on high alert ahead of their TSL clash at UTAS Stadium.
The Roos head north bubbling from their 78-point rout of rivals Glenorchy last weekend, where they kept the Pies to just one goal for the entire match.
However Webberley is bracing for a fired up Bombers who are not only coming off a bye, but their first loss to Launceston in six years.
“They are a great team, I know they lost the week before last to Launceston but I thought the game was pretty good, they just lacked a bit of potency forward of the footy,” Webberley said.
“I suppose if you look back over the last few years, when they have been beaten their next game has been pretty outstanding.
“We are expecting them to come out and hunt us play with some real vigour so that’s a great challenge for our young group to go up there into a hostile environment.
“I suppose it [last week’s win] takes that little bit of pressure off and gives young players confidence as well.
“We take that confidence into the week, understanding we have a really big test.”
Webberley is hopeful the wide expanses of UTAS compared to the club’s first two venues (Lauderdale and Richmond), plays into the hands of Josh Green, who returned for the Roos last Saturday.
Green kicked one goal from nine possessions after missing the opening round with a broken nose, with Webberley confident the former AFL sharp shooter will capture his best form soon.
“He is a little bit underdone … lets not be too harsh, lets give him a few weeks to get his tank up and going and get used to TSL footy.
“On the weekend, he kicked a goal, had 10 odd disposals but they had to play Zac Webster on him, it frees up a Noah Holmes or another guy to hit the scoreboard.
“He should get some open space at UTAS as well to get some nice one on ones if we can get the ball in nice and quickly.”
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