Outlook brightens for injured Magpies

GLENORCHY’S injury woes may not be as bad as first thought with Jaye Bowden and Zac Webster almost certain starters against Lauderdale at Lauderdale Oval on Sunday.

Skipper Brayden Webb is also expected to recover from an ankle injury in time for the TSL blockbuster.

Bowden (back) and Webster (cork thigh) were both hindered in Glenorchy’s narrow loss to North Launceston at UTas Stadium on Saturday.

Webb injured his ankle and was unable to rejoin the thriller, which went to the Bombers by four points.

Magpies coach Aaron Cornelius said his threesome should be fine for the critical battle.

“Brayden tweaked his ankle and had no power in it to run — he couldn’t push off,” Cornelius said.

“He’s got the potential to play this week but we won’t know until the end of the week.

“Being a Sunday game, it gives the boys a bit more time.”

If Glenorchy wins, it can cement third place on the ladder, and if Lauderdale wins it will replace the Pies in the top three.

Cornelius said his side was conceding too many free kicks, averaging more than 20 a game over the past four rounds.

“We’ve noticed Lauderdale does, too, so it’s a trend with both teams,” Cornelius said.

“It’s something we’ve got to get on top of this weekend, more than 20 each game and we’re not on the receiving end of too many of them, and it’s starting to really hurt us.”

In the TSL Player of the Year Award, North Launceston onballer Brad Cox-Goodyer’s best-afield performance against Glenorchy moved him to equal second with his coach Tom Couch, both three points behind reigning champion Jaye Bowden.

Clarence ruckman Wade Wall received his first best- afield votes this season for his 45 hit-outs and dominance in general play.

“His work around the ground was great and whether he wins the hitout or not he’s flat out working. His impact on the ground is really good for a big guy,” said Clarence coach Jeromey Webberley.

“His hit-outs to advantage were pretty good, he provides a contest in the air and on the ground — he’s almost like another midfielder.”

The match review panel investigated only one incident this week — Launceston player Brodie Palfreyman was referred for a dangerous tackle on Lachlan Watt (Tigers)

The MRP found that the free kick paid was the correct outcome and that no further action was required.