Trio to bolster Demons
NORTH Hobart will be boosted by the return of three key inclusions as it looks to cause a TSL boilover against Lauderdale tomorrow.
The struggling Demons, who have been competitive for two quarters in recent weeks before being blown away in the second half, have the services of Mariner Baxter Norton for the first time this season, while big men Colin Garland and Bailey Walker also return. Norton has played the first two matches for the Allies in the division one national under-18 championships, and the talented ball user will add some instant class to the side.
Walker missed last week after falling ill, while former Melbourne Demon Garland will suit up for only his second match after finally passing a test on his reconstructed knee.
“Baxter Norton is in this week, he is a good ball user, that will help us control the ball for a bit longer and hopefully that goes towards us playing more consistent footy,” Demons coach Richard Robinson said.
“Bailey Walker will be back this week, he had been pretty crook. That helps us structurally, it frees some of the key defenders up to potentially roll forward.”
Lauderdale made just one change, regaining Alex Hevey for the suspended Phil Bellchambers.
Meanwhile, the good news for high-flying Clarence continues with the Roos welcoming back one of the best small forwards in the state for its showdown with Glenorchy.
Trent Standen has not played since Round 1 but came through a hitout in the Mercury Cup unscathed last weekend and will return to the senior side alongside Trent Hope.
The Pies included Joel Millhouse at the expense of Brady Quinn.
Launceston coach Sam Lonergan has been named in the Blues squad for their trip to the Twin Ovals.
Lonergan is one of five changes for the northerners, who are further bolstered by under-18 talents Blair Rubock and Tom Mundy.
Forward Sonny Whiting, Sam Rundle and Tom Sheppard will all miss out.