September 16th 2011 06:13
Sourced: AFL Tasmania
FORM: Launceston did the unthinkable last week. After going through the roster season undefeated, the Blues were well beaten by Burnie at Aurora in the second semi-final by 23 points. After consecutive losses, Clarence bounced back in the best possible way with a 59-point smashing of Glenorchy at Bellerive in the first semi-final.
BURNING QUESTION: Can Launceston avoid the chokers tag or will they go out in straight sets after a perfect home and away season? Is dual premier Clarence back to its best or was last week merely a dying kick of a club on the way down?
THE KEY: Clarence small forward Trent Standen is called “Speedy” for a reason as Glenorchy found out the hard way in the semi-final. Standen was simply unbelievable bagging a career-best nine goals either on the lead or in classic crumbing fashion. He has elite speed but the question is does Launceston have anyone who can slow Standen down or will he propel the Roos to their third grand final?
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY? Launceston will go into the game with a fair amount of pressure and self doubt after last week’s loss while Clarence has big game experience and a boost in confidence thanks to its big win over Glenorchy. But it would be folly to ignore the Blues form throughout the home and away season. Launceston was by far the TSL’s best team throughout and it has not lost all of this after one loss to the in-form Dockers. They also went into the final off a soft run – the last two roster games against the two bottom teams, South Launceston and Devonport, followed by the first week’s rest – that had the Blues ripe for the picking. Clarence is relying on burst footy to get the job done, as witnessed by its nine-goal to one second term against the Pies last week. Launceston will not allow the Roos to pile on the goals as Glenorchy did last week.
TIP: Launceston by 23 points.