Goal ace back for Dees

THE return of sharpshooter Sean Willis will add spice to North Hobart’s forward line for today’s TSL clash with Clarence at North Hobart Oval but the Demons are wary of the Roos’ Josh Green.

The game is critical to both sides’ hopes of finishing in the top four — the first time the State League finals series has been reduced from a top five.

Clarence onballer Ethan Jackson is a ball-winner North Hobart will watch closely and former Brisbane and Essendon forward Josh Green is likely to attract attention from Demon defender Hugh Williams.

“Green is dangerous forward of the ball and Jackson is getting around 20 touches and five tackles a game, so he’s a player that is doing some damage for them,” North Hobart coach Richard Robinson said.

North Hobart is third on the ladder and Clarence fourth. Both sides are on eight premierships points and separated by only 1.65 per cent.

“Clarence has been playing good footy,” Robinson said.

“They are very good at contested football — Riley, Jackson and Davis lead the way for them in that regard.

“They tackle really well and ‘Jez’ (Clarence coach Jeromey Webberley) has them playing really good football.

“We’ve got to try and stop Jez’s ball use as well.

“It’s a massive challenge but one we are looking forward to, particularly back on our home deck.”

Clarence’s switch-and-run style, combined with its liking for the corridor, is not worlds apart from North Hobart’s attacking brand. “We are both really young sides and our game styles are pretty similar,” Robinson said. Hamish Allen has a mammoth assignment in the ruck against Roos Ryan Bailey and Sam Green. “We need Hamish to give us first use of the ball,” Robinson said.

“Willis coming back will add a bit of spark to the forward line and our back six has been good all year so I am expecting the same from them.”