Roos’ faith in debutants
CLARENCE will blood two TSL debutants and another club first-gamer against the premiership favourites this afternoon in the side’s sternest test of the season to date.
The Roos have started 2018 with wins over struggling Lauderdale and the youthful North Hobart, but today run into a Northern Bombers side at Blundstone Arena on the rebound from its defeat by Glenorchy and boosted by the return of seven players from gastro.
Former Devonport player Billy Sharman — brother of North Launceston’s Beau — will suit up for his first senior appearance in the red and white, while Clarence CTPL premiership all-rounder Fletcher Seymour and Conner Berry will make their senior State League debuts.
The trio replace Ryan Edmondson, who will be sidelined for up to a month with shin splints, and brothers Ryan and Jason Bailey, who are interstate on a family trip.
“Obviously North Launceston get some players back this weekend. We expect them to bounce back, so it is going to be a good challenge for us,” Roos coach Jeromey Webberley said. “Taylor [Whitford] said in the post-match press conference against Glenorchy that they still won contested ball and clearance, so it shows they were still in for the fight, they probably just lacked polish.
“They will bring the same effort every week no matter who is playing and we expect the same from our players.
“It is exciting for the guys coming in to see what they can bring to the team and we keep learning each week. I just want effort and endeavour … we will have a look at North Launceston and what they do well and we’ll try to counteract that.”
The Bombers regain Mark Walsh, Zac Burt, Connor Young, Beau Sharman, Michael Tang, Jay Foon and Arion Richter-Salter.