THERE was plenty to like for football fans in Tasmania this week with the Under 18 side remaining undefeated, some big performances coming out of the BUPA TSL, and the Hawks romping their way to a win as AFL hit Launceston once again. 

Under 18 Academy Series Week Three – Mariners win big 

The Tasmanian Under 18s continued their undefeated run in the Academy Series with a dominant 96-point win over the Brisbane Lions Academy on Saturday. It was all one way traffic from the get-go, with star small forward Blair Rubock booting three of the Mariners’ four first quarter goals to ensure they got off to the perfect start. While Robock was the standout with six majors, there was an even spread of contributors for Tassie, with the likes of Tarryn Thomas (18 disposals, two goals) and Matthew McGuinness (18 disposals, three goals) operating at their usual high standards. Fraser Turner and Mitch Anderton were also named in the best for the Mariners on a day to remember.

BRISBANE LIONS       1.0       1.0       2.1       2.2 (14)
TASMANIA                    4.2       8.6       13.7     17.8 (110)

GOALS:
Brisbane Lions: McFadyen, Tozer
Tasmania: Rubock 6, McGuinness 3, Thomas 2, Mundy 2, Banks-Smith 2, Jackson, Chaplin 

BEST:
Brisbane Lions: Marango, Currie, Cowan, McFadyen, Marsh
Tasmania: Anderton, O’Neill, Mansell, Rubock, McGuinness, Norton

BUPA TSL Round 5 – Bombers fly up to equal-top

With ANZAC Day bringing an early start to Round 5 on Wednesday, the rest of the action unfolded on the usual Saturday in the BUPA TSL. Northern Bombers ensured that North Hobart’s winless start to the season continued in emphatic fashion, piling on the misery to record a 172-point victory. There were goals galore as six Bombers claimed bags of at least three each, with Thomas Bennett booting a game-high of six. Ben Simpson was named their best, while Bailey Walker claimed that honour for North Hobart on a dismal day for the home side.

Elsewhere, Launceston edged Clarence by an even five goals to go a game clear of them in third place. The Blues led all day, with a five-goal second quarter helping to set up and important win. Star forward Mitch Thorp continued his good form in front of goals with a bag of four, while Sam Rundle was named their best player. For Clarence, Jason Bailey was adjudged their best, with Ashton Dickenson and Troy Cunfliffe joining him.

Looking ahead to Round 6, Glenorchy will look to keep their perfect record in tact in their clash with Clarence at KGV. In the 2:00 games, Lauderdale will look to bounce back from the bye with a win over struggling North Hobart, as the Demons welcome back ex-AFL defender Colin Garland after 12 years away from the club. Meanwhile, Launceston will be hoping to strengthen their spot in the top three by claiming four points over fifth place Tigers. North Launceston’s momentum might be slightly brought to a halt as they have the week off.

Full results can be found here.

AFL Round 6 – Hawks at home in Launceston

Hawthorn snuck into the top four with a 35-point victory over St. Kilda at the University of Tasmania Stadium in Launceston. While they were made to work for it throughout the match, the home side proved too strong for what has been a lacklustre Saints outfit in season 2018. After breaking out with three unanswered first quarter goals, the Hawks waited until the final term to extend back to a comfortable margin as they booted six goals to two to round out the match.

Wingman Isaac Smith starred with four goals from 24 disposals, and was accompanied by Jack Gunston and Luke Breust (both 16 disposals and three goals) as the multiple goalkickers. Star midfielder Tom Mitchell was back to his accumulating best with 45 disposals, an astonishing 16 ahead of his side’s next best ball winner.

For the Saints, Jack Steven was good value for his 29 disposals, while Jack Steele worked hard for 18 disposals, 11 tackles and a goal on a day where his side would end up ruing missed opportunities. 

The next AFL fixture in Tasmania will be held at Blundstone Arena in Round 9 when North Melbourne host GWS. The Hawks will have to wait until Round 11 for their next run out in the Apple Isle when they welcome Port Adelaide to their fortress that is the University of Tasmania Stadium.

HAWTHORN     3.7     4.9     7.9     13.11     (89)
ST KILDA          0.4     3.7     5.10    7.12      (54)

GOALS:
Hawthorn: Smith 4, Breust, Gunston 3, Howe, Impey, Morrison
St Kilda: Billings, Hickey, Long, McCartin, Membrey, Sinclair, Steele 

BEST
Hawthorn: Smith, Mitchell, McEvoy, Morrison, Howe, Gunston, Breust
St Kilda: Steven, Webster, Savage, Carlisle