Test for improving Hobart

HOBART has the chance to show it is no longer the cub of the SFL when it takes on ladder leader Claremont today.

The Tigers will host the undefeated Claremont at the TCA today and Hobart coach Mark Beck is looking forward to his side testing itself.

“They [Claremont] are a polished team and they have brought in a few players over the pre-season that make them even better,” Beck said. “We are excited about the opportunity to come up against them and see what we can do.”

A three-point win over New Norfolk last weekend was Hobart’s third in four games, after winning just five all season last year.

Beck said the improvement had come not only from having experienced Hobart City pair Jayden Charlton and Liam Azzopardi join the club but from the development of the whole team.

“We have got guys who have been around the club for a little bit or came last year who probably weren’t at their best,” Beck said. “They were a victim of where the side was at last year so they weren’t playing great footy but they have stepped up. Getting the improvement from those guys has really helped us get in the position we are at.”

Claremont assistant coach Matt Bird said his side would be keeping an eye on a few players today. One was Hobart’s key forward Sam Reeves, who has kicked 20 goals in four games, including two bags of seven goals.

“He is in some good form in front of the sticks,” Bird said. “But we have complete faith in our defenders.”

In the other Round 6 games, Dodges Ferry and New Norfolk meet at Shark Park, with both teams entering the game on just one win each.

Huonville will look to continue its breakout season when it hosts Sorell at Huonville Oval. And the winless Brighton travels to Anzac Park to take on Lindisfarne.