Baumeler backs his boys after criticism

A PRICKLY Trent Baumeler has scoffed at suggestions his Tigers are an easy State League kill, defending his side ahead of today’s showdown with Glenorchy at KGV.

The Tigers are on a sevenmatch losing streak since accounting for North Hobart in the opening round, but face a Pies outfit that has hit the skids itself with four consecutive defeats.

The hosts will start warm favourites to snap their spiral given the strength and experience they possess on paper, but Baumeler is in no mood to write off his club’s season — and has gone into bat for his struggling troops.

“If you actually look at the game against North Hobart in the second half, we had 14 more inside 50s, we didn’t convert our shots,” Baumeler said in response to criticism of the Round 8 loss to the Demons. “The hysteria that we lost to North Hobart … that was a bit ridiculous really.

“North Hobart was never going to go through the season not winning a game. That is pretty disrespectful to put that expectation on them.

“We kicked five goals in a row against North Launnie [in Round 9], I don’t know if you can name the last team that did that, to put them under pressure in the last quarter.

“While it is great to be competitive against teams … we actually have to start winning those games.

“You could look at it [it is a good time to get Glenorchy] that way, they are standing on the ledge waiting for someone to push them off, it would be nice if it could be us. But teams go through form patches.”

After being decimated late last week with illness and injury, the Pies will regain a host of key players including Josh Grant, Brady Quinn, Matt Joseph and Joel Millhouse. Skipper Brayden Webb (ankle) however is no guarantee to return.

“We respect the Tigers, we know they pose a challenge and hopefully we put our best foot forward,” coach Paul Kennedy said. “They are a team when they get to take territory and apply pressure, they are really good.”