Ryan in seventh heaven

RYAN Wiggins emerged as Lauderdale’s trump card against archrival Clarence in the TSL qualifying final on Saturday. After a second-half switch from defence, the 22-year-old slammed on seven goals to help the Bombers to a 47-point win.

LAUDERDALE s uperboot Ryan Wiggins kicked a careerequal-best seven goals to destroy Clarence during Saturday’s qualifying final — but remarkably spent nearly all the first half in defence.

Wiggins, 22, switched from key back to key forward with Alex Hill just before half-time and returned 7.2 as the Bombers belted the Roos by 47 points.

Wiggins said it was not the first time coach Darren Winter had flicked the switch, but not usually to such devastating effect.

“At the start of the season I was a predominant forward but we are looking to get a bit more versatile, especially in situations like we are in now where we can throw players around and try to catch the defenders out,” Wiggins said.

“It has been a good move Windy has made to chuck him (Hill) forward and me back and vice versa.

“I definitely do like it down in defence because it does take that little bit of pressure off you with a full back trying to lock down on you.

“Having that versatility to be able to swing down into defence and help out there and trying to get a bit of run and carry off the backline is really good. Alex and I play that role really well over the last six or seven weeks.”

It was the match-winning move that put Lauderdale into uncharted territory, with a trip to take on North Launceston next Saturday at UTas Stadium in the second semi-final.

The victor will earn a place in the grand final in their end of the state.

Wiggins, who came through the Bombers junior teams and made his TSL senior debut as a 16-year-old, spent the pre-season with Carlton’s VFL affiliate the Northern Blues, but returned home for personal reasons in time for round two.

He is more than happy with the decision to come home, but said having another crack at the VFL could be an option.

“I would definitely go back there and give it another good shot,” he said.

“But at the moment I’m just really happy where I am at the moment and where the club’s at, especially now finals come and the position we are in now.

“My main focus is now trying to get through the next couple of weeks and get into the grand final.”

The Bombers expect Max Kleverkamp (illness) to return for the trip to Launceston.

I’m just really happy where I am at the moment and where the club’s at, especially now finals come and the position we are in now