Champions bring out the best in us, Roo declares

REIGNING champ North Launceston brings out the best in Clarence, with the Roos aiming to be the only club to hold a winning edge over the Northern Bombers this season.

The ledger stands at one-all going into Saturday’s top-ofthe-table clash at University of Tasmania Stadium, with North Launceston 12-point winners in Round 4 and Clarence victorious by two points in Round 12, both at Blundstone Arena.

Clarence centre half-back Taylor Williamson said the Roos were far from daunted by the trip north.

“The boys are really excited, I’m really excited,” Williamson said. “I love playing up there, it is a nice big ground.

“They are a good side, but we’ve played them twice and played them pretty well both times.

“One win and one loss, we know we bring our best football against them, so we are pretty keen and pretty con- fident that we can get the job done.”

Williamson returned to the Roos this season after five years away interstate, including coaching last year in the small NSW country town of Hay.

He said he now had a much greater appreciation for the men in charge.

“Not just coaching but the things that go on behind the scenes,” he said.

“Things you have to deal with which as a player, you never knew anything about until you become a coach.

“It is a difficult job, especially at this level, there is a lot of pressure involved. But Jez [Roos coach Jeromey Webberley] is doing a really good job and getting better and better as the year goes on.”

Williamson started the season forward and by his own admission couldn’t get a kick in a kung-fu fight, before being switched to defence and prospering in the different role.

In his previous games with the Northern Bombers, he has picked up Bart McCulloch and Tom Bennett — two matchwinners.

“Once I went down back, I settled a little bit and once my match fitness come in,” the 27year-old said.

“Coming from a much lower level, my fitness wasn’t anywhere near the standard it used to be before I left.

“Now I’ve got that and picked up the speed of the game, I feel really comfortable and confident in my ability.”