Return of Magpie muscle

Key trio’s inclusion may tip the balance for Glenorchy

GLENORCHY’S chances of beating Launceston in their cut-throat TSL elimination final at Blundstone Arena on Saturday took a huge step forward last night when captain Brayden Webb passed a fitness test on his injured foot.

Webb has been sidelined for three weeks with plantar fascia problems, and as late as last weekend was restricted to a moonboot.

The treatment worked and Webb will be one of three big inclusions for the Magpies, along with premiership ruckman Cam Duffy (finger, missed one match) and for- ward Mitch Hills (one match, soreness).

Glenorchy coach Aaron Cornelius said Webb had worked hard on his recovery program to get back for the first round of finals.

“He has looked after himself really well,” Cornelius said.

“He’s a professional so he’s done a good job.”

Webb will add depth to Glenorchy’s midfield.

“It’s a great inclusion because he’s a great player so he adds a lot to us,” Cornelius said.

“He brings leadership out on the field and a cool head in a finals game.”

The return of Duffy and Hills gives Glenorchy tall timber that will be difficult to match up on for Launceston’s brains trust.

“They’re a very good side,” Cornelius said. “They’ve got big depth in their midfield. They play fast footy and they have a crack.”

Launceston handed Glenorchy a 70-point thrashing when they met at Windsor Park in Round 9, and the Magpies held on to win a thriller by six points at KGV in Round 19.

The Magpies are wary of Launceston, and will pay particular attention to several Blues.

“Sonny Whiting is very good for them up forward, Rulla Kelly-Mansell has had a good year and Sam Lonergan and Sam Rundle are quality players,” Cornelius said.

“Those guys are the ones we will be paying extra attention to this week.

“We’ve been able to get a few guys back coming into the finals. It was good to have Jordy Arnold back, and Zac Webster, who hasn’t played against Launceston yet so that will be a good experience for him.

“It’s about putting four quarters together against a quality side. They’re a team of pressure and physicality, and we understand that, so we look forward to the challenge.”

Teams for the Glenorchy-Launceston elimination final, and the Clarence-Lauderdale qualifying final, will be announced today.