Demons deserve respect

Glenorchy preparing to face ‘good team’ in rivals game

GLENORCHY has spent time this week “reshaping” its perception of a resurgent North Hobart as the teams square off in a crunch TSL clash at KGV.

Cellar dwellers for the past two seasons, the building Demons have shown they are more than deserving to be considered legitimate finals contenders in 2020.

A dominant performance against Lauderdale, coupled with a strong showing against premier North Launceston and pushing unbeaten Launceston to the death last weekend has put Pies coach Paul Kennedy on notice.

The Round 6 showdown is pivotal for both clubs. North Hobart can shore up third while Glenorchy, which opened its account before its bye with a heart-stopper over the Tigers, can stay in touch.

“They have been really good, we talked this week about I guess reshaping our mindset about North Hobart,” Kennedy said.

“The last two years they have been thought of as the wooden spooners, now they are a good football team and they have proved that.

“We watched some vision of their really good stuff and everyone watched it and said, ‘this is a good team’, and our defensive fundamentals have to be spot on to stop them opening up the ground.

“They really take the game on, our pressure at the source has to be really good.”

Kennedy is hopeful his side will have big inclusions, with Ben Kamaric, Sam Rundle and Matt Dilger named as emergencies but only needing to pull up well from Thursday’s training session to return.

The Demons have lost Jayden Charlton to a shoulder injury and sent Angus Norton back to the Development League, and will blood George McLeod.

“He gets his opportunity, it is always great when you have a first gamer,” coach Richard Robinson said.

“George has been really good, a young Devil who can play off half-back or through the midfield, he is very versatile, uses the ball well, he has been in good form for the last three or four weeks.”

Robinson said his group was ready to end a barren run at KGV.

“We are very excited, I spoke to the boys last night this is a rivals game,” he said.

“Glenorchy and North Hobart are traditional rivals and have been for a long time.

“We can’t wait to get out to KGV tomorrow and make a good account of ourselves.”