Key men back for Pies

GLENORCHY’S chances of rolling Lauderdale for the third time in four games increased markedly last night with Jaye Bowden and Tim Butterworth back for the Pies and the possibility that rampaging midfielder Ben Kamaric could play in their TSL qualifying final at Blundstone Arena tomorrow.

Bowden returns from a niggling ankle injury, Butterworth (knee) will play his first game since Round 7 and forward Brodie Rowbottom is back from illness. Kamaric has not played since straining a hamstring in Glenorchy’s Round 19 win over the Tigers at KGV.

Hopes are high he can play against the Bombers.

“It depends on how he goes tonight and how he pulls up tomorrow,” Glenorchy coach Paul Kennedy said. “We have got to weigh everything up and make sure he is good to go or else we don’t want to take that risk.”

Bowden has been slowed by various injuries this season but as a proven finals performer, Kennedy is keen for him to play. “He’s good and he’s fresh and ready to go, and he’s as close to 100 per cent as he can be,” Kennedy said.

“Jaye’s a player who makes life easier as a coach because you can swing him through various roles. He reads the game really well and makes adjustments out of the field himself. It’s always good to have Jaye in the team.”

Glenorchy has a 2-1 winloss record against Lauderdale this season but Kennedy says they start from scratch in the finals. “Finals is a new season,” he said. “I don’t take anything from the other games you’ve played during the season.

“I always look forward to the games against Lauderdale because they are always really good hard contests by two skilful teams. The pressure goes up another level in finals — the intensity is high and the weather is going to be really good for footy.”

Lauderdale regained captain Bryce Walsh and Devils Oscar Shaw and Matt McGuinness, but midfielder Shaun McManus rolled his dicky ankle at training on Monday and is unable to play and defender Josh McGuinness (knee) has been ruled out.