This week in Tasmanian football saw a number of Tasmanian State League (TSL) clubs stamp their dominance while this Saturday sees Blundstone Arena host AFL action.

AFL hits Hobart:

This Saturday sees Tasmania host it’s first AFL match of the season when North Melbourne play Carlton at Blundstone Arena. The clash, which will be a homecoming for Carlton coach Brendan Bolton, kicks off from 7:25pm on Saturday night with North looking to register their second win of the year while the Blues will be aiming to open their account after three consecutive losses.

Key defender Robbie Tarrant returns for the Kangaroos after being a late withdrawal in their loss to Melbourne last week with Nathan Hrovat out injured. The Blues have brought in Cam O’Shea for the injured Caleb Marchbank (ankle) while Jack Silvagni has been recalled for Jed Lamb (omitted) and last year’s number ten draft pick in Lochie O’Brien will make his debut, replacing Cameron Polson (omitted).

We will have a wrap-up of all the action in next week’s weekly wrap.

TSL Round 2:

Round 2 of the BUPA Tasmanian State League (TSL) saw three of the competition’s strongest sides stamp their early season dominance.

Glenorchy 22.15 (147) def. Lauderdale 8.12 (60)

2016 premiers Glenorchy started life under new coach Paul Kennedy in winning fashion on Saturday with a resounding 81-point victory over last year’s grand finalists Lauderdale, who now sit 0-2 after their round one loss to Clarence. New recruit Mitch Walker starred for the Magpies, kicking five goals, while returning defender Daniel Joseph was name best afield by Kennedy.

“We just did the things I thought we were capable of,” Kennedy said post-match. “Throughout pre-season you get an expectation of your players and the team and mine is really high for this group because they’re a good bunch of blokes that work really hard, they pick things up quickly and they expect high standards of themselves.” For Lauderdale, Northern Territory recruit Tim Misquito was a shining light, kicking three majors.

Launceston 21.21 (147) def. North Hobart 2.4 (16)

Launceston responded in convincing fashion from their round one defeat to cross-town rivals North Launceston, beating the TSL’s youngest side by 131-points at Windsor Park. Former Hawthorn player Mitch Thorp booted seven goals for the winners while forward line partner Sonny Whitting nabbed four. It was a tough day for the Demons but coach Richard Robinson implored his young side to learn from the experience of playing such a good side.

North Launceston 13.14 (92) def. Tigers 4.6 (30)

Last year’s premiers North Launceston now sit 2-0 after they easily accounted for the Tigers at UTAS Stadium. Under new coach Taylor Whitford, the Bombers looked as dangerous as ever and proved why they, along with Launceston, have been touted as potential premiers in 2018. Former Brisbane Lions listed forward Bart McCulloch kicked three goals for the victors while for the Tigers, former Carlton defender Marcus Davies battled hard throughout the day.

Round 3 Fixture:

Lauderdale v Launceston at Lauderdale Oval – 2:00pm

North Launceston v Glenorchy at UTAS Stadium – 2:00pm

North Hobart v Clarence at North Hobart Oval – 2:30pm

Tigers – BYE

AFL ACADEMY:

Two of Tasmania’s best Under 18 talents ran out on the MCG last Saturday for the NAB AFL Academy against North Melbourne’s VFL team. Both Tarryn Thomas & Chayce Jones held their own, featuring in the best handful of players for the talented group of future draftees.