Tigers hang on Davies’ return

THE Tigers are hoping star defender Marcus Davies is back for their TSL clash with in-form Clarence at the Twin Ovals tomorrow, while the Roos regained young key forward Harry Richmond.

Davies has not played since hurting his knee in the Tigers’ Round 4 night match against Lauderdale.

Since then the Tigers have lost to Glenorchy by 20 points and were mauled by Launceston to the tune of 91 points.

Davies was named at fullforward to meet the Roos but the jury is still out on whether he pulls on the boots.

“Marcus got through training on Wednesday, which is a real positive, but it will be how he pulls up that will indicate whether he will play,” Tigers coach Trent Baumeler said yesterday.

“He’s a chance. It’s a 50-50 chance. If there’s any risk of further injury or he’s still sore, we won’t play him.”

The Tigers lost Ash Humphrey to a strained hamstring and ruckman Heath Thompson suspended.

Baumeler was impressed by his review of the Roos.

“I watched the game and Clarence has a lot of young kids being introduced to senior footy, but geez they had a crack, they put pressure on the ball carrier, especially in the second half,” he said.

“Then you’ve got that class through the middle, blokes like Jackson O’Brien and Jeromey Webberley.

“Ryan Bailey [Clarence ruckman] is going to be a challenge for young Hugh Johnston, who is going to ruck with him head-to-head probably for the whole 120 minutes.”

Harry Richmond (illness) was a late withdrawal from the win over Glenorchy and was replaced by Alex Silver, who kicked three goals and held his spot.

The loss of Wade Wall (ankle) leaves Clarence down a ruckman, but the return of Richmond is an option to give Bailey a breather.