THE last time Launceston took on Glenorchy in the Tasmanian State League (TSL) Women’s competition, it was the Magpies who caused a boil-over to shock the ladder leaders and premiership favourites. At that stage the Blues had been undefeated, and actually surrendered top spot following the loss. They bounced back by knocking their incumbents Clarence a couple of weeks later and are back on top with a massive percentage of 467.21. The Magpies sit third, with three wins from five games, as the other two wins have come against the bottom two sides in North Launceston and Tigers, whilst the two losses have both come at the hands of the second placed Roos.

Launceston has only conceded a measly 61 points this season, with 33 of those points against Glenorchy. The Magpies were on fire that day, restricting the table toppers to just seven points themselves, when their average score in the five other matches stands at a whopping 55.6 points per game. Neither side will move regardless of result because of the percentage differences in the top three sides, but it would be a huge confidence boosting win if lightning can strike twice for Glenorchy. For the Blues, it is about ensuring they get that crucial win against a team that has a chance of facing them in the final match of the year.

From a Blues perspective, Daria Bannister is the danger forward with nine goals in six games, and named among the best on multiple occasions. Angela Dickson and Brooke Brown have both booted the four goals, while Abbey Green came in for a game and slotted three, the same amount as Meg Sinclair this season. Dickson, Camilla Taylor and Mia King have all being named among the best the most times (four) with the latter two teenagers and capable of something special through the ruck and midfield respectively.

Looking at Glenorchy, Sarah Skinner has double-figure goals to her name and is eyeing off a leading goalkicker award this season with 10 majors, while Molly Mitchell (six), Tiarna Ford (six) and Elise Barwick (four) have been impressive with multiple majors. Skinner, Libby Haines and Zoie Crawford have been the team’s most consistent players throughout the season, named in the best four times from a possible five games, and with a game in hand, will put themselves in a great position to edge closer to the Blues on the table.

Launceston will be keen to right the wrongs of its last encounter with the Magpies, but you cannot discount Glenorchy’s ability to cause an upset.

TSL WOMEN’S ROUND 8 FIXTURES:

Launceston vs. Glenorchy

Byes: Clarence, North Launceston, Tigers

Picture: Solstice Digital & Photography