NTFA preview: Showcase of league as top two square off

Both teams are firmly focused on winning this year’s flag, but Saturday’s top of the table clash between Longford and South Launceston will be a stage for both clubs to show why they were included in the upcoming Premier League.

South Launceston coach Jack Maher and Longford coach Mitch Stagg will lock horns in Saturday’s top of the table NTFA clash. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

The focus is solely on this year, but Longford coach Mitch Stagg believes Saturday’s top-of-the-table blockbuster against South Launceston is a chance to showcase the NTFA before both clubs enter the inaugural Premier League next year.

The NTFA confirmed on Friday that TSL clubs North Launceston and Launceston were given the green light by member clubs to join the NTFA at a meeting on Wednesday.

It was also determined division one and two competitions will be established to sit underneath the Premier League, with the make-up of the divisions still to be confirmed.

The Bulldogs and Tigers have justified their inclusion with their on-field results this year. South Launceston is unbeaten, while second-placed Longford has lost just twice.

Stagg said next season is firmly on the backburner as the Tigers (8-2) fight hard to hold onto second spot with Rocherlea and Bridgenorth (both 8-3) nipping at their heels.

“Our focus at the moment is consolidating that second chance and hopefully second spot so we can get the home final in the first week,” he said.

“While we’re focused on this year, looking forward to next year it’s a good chance to highlight the standard of the competition before the restructure happens.”

Stagg was rapt with his side’s 39-point win at Bracnkell last week before they host the Dogs.

He said a tough run of mid-season matches against top five sides Hillwood, Rocherlea and Bridgenorth, where they went 2-1, had set them up nicely.

“The month block before the mid season bye was really good for us, three competitive games in a row,” he said.

“We’ve got a good idea of where out list is at, and tried a few things positionally.

“We’ve got some bodies returning from injury (this week), we’ve got almost a full compliment to choose from outside of Lachie Dakin who injured his hamstring last week.”

Stagg said periodic lapses in their 22-point defeat to South Launceston in round four cost them dearly.

“You’ve go to play 100 mins against South Launceston with their fitness, I think systematically they’re the best drilled side in the competition,” he said.

“You can’t drop your guard for three or four minutes, we did that last time and it was really costly.

“We controlled the game for two and a half quarters, but we’ve evolved since then and will have three of four different players in the side this time, and on our home deck we’ll go in confident. -

“The Bulldogs really hurt you on the counter and they’ve got some dangerous small forwards.

“Our numbers over the last month from a contested and clearance viewpoint are in a good spot, it’s that outside run where we’ll have to match them tomorrow.”

NTFA PREMIER ROUND 13

Scottsdale v Bracknell at Scottsdale Recreation Ground, 2pm; Bridgenorth v Deloraine at Bridgenorth Recreation Ground, 2pm; Hillwood v George Town at Hilwood Recreation Reserve, 2pm; Longford v South Launceston at Longford Recreation Ground, 2pm