Coach tips big things for Pies

MAGPIES coach Paul Kennedy says his club expects to be one of the best teams in the TSL by season’s end and must prove a point when Glenorchy opens its season against Lauderdale tomorrow.

The Magpies will unveil a near full-strength outfit against a Bombers side that will be without injured captain Bryce Walsh and suspended midfielder Jordan Roberts.

After sliding down the TSL ladder late last season, Glenorchy has its sights set on going all the way this year, and coach Kennedy believes he has the right players to contend with the top teams.

“The players’ expectations are really high — they have a quiet expectation that they will be one of the best teams in the competition,” Kennedy said. “They understand what it takes to be successful and that’s our aim.”

Kennedy said he was unsure if his side’s delayed start to the season would better prepare Glenorchy for its first match of the year tomorrow. “Sometimes having that extra week is great and sometimes teams don’t come out well after a bye, but I think our guys more look at it as an extra week of pre-season.”

Glenorchy will be bolstered by the inclusion of returning Magpie Daniel Joseph — a best and fairest winner for NEAFL club Aspley who was also named in last year’s NEAFL representative team.

Lauderdale will welcome back key players Josh McGuinness and Robbie McManus for the clash with Glenorchy at KGV.

In other games, the Tigers will be without midfielders Connor Bryant (knee) and Ben Donnelly (Mariners) for their clash with Launceston. They are replaced by Ash Humphrey and Cameron Woolley.

The Blues have made three changes to their side, with Jake Hinds suspended, while Simon Vandervelde and Jake Nunn will also miss. They have been replaced by Jack Donnellan, Jack Rushton and Ryan Tyrrell. North Hobart has made one change — Kyle Williams replaces Samuel Collins for the club’s away game against an unchanged North Launceston.