David HardingSpot in finals on line for Pies
July 18th 2010 11:51
Sourced: The Mercury - The voice of Tasmania
by Brett Stubbs
AFTER stuttering for most of the year, last year's grand finalist Glenorchy can just about sew up a finals spot today with a win over its nearest rival, Burnie, at KGV.
The Magpies sit a game and percentage clear in sixth spot ahead of the improving Dockers, so a win would almost guarantee them finals action.
Glenorchy coach Ben Reid said his side was fully aware of the ramifications of today's Statewide game, win or lose.
"They know the situation of the season," Reid said.
"Times like this if you get focused on the result you can get out of whack with what you are trying to achieve.
"We will just go back to the process we know works and strive to play four consistent quarters, and if we can do that we will put in a good showing."
But Burnie will be far from the pushover that has twice ventured south for two beltings 81 points to Hobart in round five and 92 points by Clarence in round seven.
The Dockers have won three of their past four games, with their only loss being to second-placed Launceston last round by only two goals.
While much has been made of the improvement of the young Dockers, Reid said it was the experienced players who were leading the way.
"Their four or five experienced guys are consistently amongst their best and give them a lot of direction and I would say are the real barometer to the team," he said.
"A guy like Darren Banham is really important to them, he gets his hand on the footy a lot and works the back half and gives them a bit of strength and moves the ball forward from there.
"[Luke] Shackleton, Matty Stephenson and Kade Munday they all fit the bill."
Boosted by the return from a rib injury of state centre half-forward Ben Reynolds, Devonport should be far too strong for last-placed South Launceston at Devonport Oval.
The second half of the split round will be completed next Saturday when first and second, Clarence and Launceston, clash at Windsor Park, North Launceston hosts North Hobart and Lauderdale takes on Hobart at the TCA Ground
by Brett Stubbs
AFTER stuttering for most of the year, last year's grand finalist Glenorchy can just about sew up a finals spot today with a win over its nearest rival, Burnie, at KGV.
The Magpies sit a game and percentage clear in sixth spot ahead of the improving Dockers, so a win would almost guarantee them finals action.
Glenorchy coach Ben Reid said his side was fully aware of the ramifications of today's Statewide game, win or lose.
"They know the situation of the season," Reid said.
"Times like this if you get focused on the result you can get out of whack with what you are trying to achieve.
"We will just go back to the process we know works and strive to play four consistent quarters, and if we can do that we will put in a good showing."
But Burnie will be far from the pushover that has twice ventured south for two beltings 81 points to Hobart in round five and 92 points by Clarence in round seven.
The Dockers have won three of their past four games, with their only loss being to second-placed Launceston last round by only two goals.
While much has been made of the improvement of the young Dockers, Reid said it was the experienced players who were leading the way.
"Their four or five experienced guys are consistently amongst their best and give them a lot of direction and I would say are the real barometer to the team," he said.
"A guy like Darren Banham is really important to them, he gets his hand on the footy a lot and works the back half and gives them a bit of strength and moves the ball forward from there.
"[Luke] Shackleton, Matty Stephenson and Kade Munday they all fit the bill."
Boosted by the return from a rib injury of state centre half-forward Ben Reynolds, Devonport should be far too strong for last-placed South Launceston at Devonport Oval.
The second half of the split round will be completed next Saturday when first and second, Clarence and Launceston, clash at Windsor Park, North Launceston hosts North Hobart and Lauderdale takes on Hobart at the TCA Ground
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