Ladder without any lies for Pies

FOR Glenorchy, the ladder does not lie.

Last year’s premier has six wins, all against teams ranked sixth to ninth, and four losses, all against teams in the top five.

Magpie star Jaye Bowden, who returned to form with a best-afield performance in Saturday’s win over Devonport, said it was a mixture of circumstances such as new players, injuries and application that had resulted in the bumpy start to 2017.

“It was pretty clear where we were falling down,” Bowden said.

“You don’t lose talent from week to week, it was more about effort and consistency of effort for us.

“A few of the stats weren’t where they should be, and it was basic stuff like tackles.

“It was nothing that was unfixable, it is more of a mindset and application.”

Bowen said his own form, that has seen him win three Alastair Lynch Medals as the TSL’s best and fairest, mirrored that of the team.

Bowden had 21 first-half possessions against Devonport and more than 30 for the match.

“The last two years we have been pretty dominant and that allows you to have confidence in the game plan and what you are going to get week to week, and your performance backs that up,” he said.

“I think we have been up and down individually and as a group.”

Bowden still leads the TSL for goals, but didn’t kick one last round as he spent more time in the middle with former Brisbane-listed player Josh Watts the deep forward.

He said Watts would eventually bring even more flexibility to the Pies line-up.

“I think he can play both ends, to be honest,” Bowen said.

“But he’s just lacking a bit of match fitness at the moment.”

Glenorchy has the bye this week and then goes to the Twin Ovals to take on the Tigers.

But Glenorchy will be without former Hawthorn-listed wingman Zac Webster after he accepted a one-match ban for striking Devonport’s Toby Enniss.

Enniss’ teammate Bradley Symmons will also be out for a match after being pleading guilty to a rough conduct charge on Glenorchy’s Brady Quinn.