THIS WEEKS GAMES

THE WEEK THAT WAS | Review of last weeks games
In case of emergency, call Lance Spaulding.
North Hobart learnt this lesson during round 11 as
the Demons put a week of controversy behind it
with a 31-point win over Glenorchy at North Hobart
Oval. The Demons slumped to seventh after the loss
to Lauderdale, resulting in the sacking of playingcoach
Clinton Brown. Former Devils coach Lance
Spaulding was appointed to fill the void and had the
Jekyll and Hyde Demons on song on his first match
day in action. Spaulding made a significant change,
pushing small defender Justin Veitch forward and
had an immediate impact. Veitch was inspirational
laying tackle after tackle and bringing forward
pressure to the Demons. Not only did he kick two
himself, he gave away plenty with his intensity too
much for the Pies defenders. Demon’s forwards
Zeke Gardam (5 goals) and Paul Allison (4) were
on-song as the Demons dominated most of the day.
The Magpies now have only two wins from their last
seven games following four straight victories to start
the season. Although hit by injury, it is the lack of
work rate and desire that is frustrating coach Byron
Howard at present with his side now no guarantee to
see finals action.
Launceston appeared to face a difficult challenge in
the trip to West Park to take on Burnie, but a seven
goal to one second term killed the contest on the way
to a 73-point victory. While gun full-forward Brian
Finch was relatively well held to four goals, his offsider
Sonny Whiting booted five as the Blues midfield
of Tim Bristow, Scott Stephens, Sam O’Keefe and
Beau Green dominated.
Down at Lauderdale, Clarence showed its fellow
Eastern Shore team which who is clearly the best
side south of Oatlands with a 66-point belting of
the Bombers. The lead was out to 94-points at the
last change as former Lauderdale forward Mitch
Williamson kicked eight goals for the Roos. Clarence
has now won seven games straight to be two games
clear in second spot, while Lauderdale remains a win
and percentage outside the top five.
North Launceston has snuck a game clear into third
thanks to a standard six-goal win over Devonport
at Aurora Stadium. Allan O’Sign continued his
purple patch with five goals in a best on ground
performance. He has now bagged 12 goals in his last
three games – all Northern Bomber victories.
South Launceston appears to have avoided the
wooden spoon for the first time thanks to a 36-point
victory over Hobart at Youngtown Oval. The Bulldogs
flew out of the blocks with a six-goal to one first term.
Rory Mansell and Braden McGee booted six goals
each for the victors in the Bulldogs best performance
of the year. It was another shocking performance
by the Tigers coming off their humiliating 133-point
belting by Clarence at home. They have now lost five
in a row as their season sinks into the abyss.
BURNING QUESTIONS:
Can North Hobart continue the display it showed last
round or will it revert to its old bad habits against
Clarence this week?
How will former Melbourne high-flyer Russell
Robertson go in his one off game for Burnie against
Devonport this Saturday?
The Torch
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