Bombers in must-win mode for Demons clash

WITH Lauderdale walking the tightrope of the TSL’s top-four, Lauderdale forward Michael Blackburn knows this Saturday’s clash with North Hobart shapes as a must-win game.

The Bombers currently sit a game and percentage clear of fifth-placed North Launceston but with both sides having only two games left in the homeand-away season, a lossagainst the Demons could be catastrophic for their finals hopes.

“It’s almost been a mustwin every week for us but we understand that we need to put in a really strong contest on

Saturday and ensure we walk away with a win,” Blackburn said.

The former Clarence and Lindisfarne player has enjoyed a solid return to the TSL this season, averaging 9.4 disposals, 4.4 marks and 2.1 goals.

After they missed the finals last year, Blackburn believes the growth in the team would drive them back to September if they kept playing their best football. “I obviously wasn’t here last year but from where the group was then to where we sit now, with a finals opportunity on the line, I know it means a lot to us,” Blackburn said. “There’s clearly still work to be done but I think if we are able to make the finals, we are confident we can do some damage.”

Blackburn has formed a dynamic partnership with fellow tall forward Sam Siggins this season, with both players’ ability to hit the big sticks each week causing headaches for opposition coaches.

“I love playing with him (Siggins) and when you are a forward you sort of form this little brotherhood within that inside 50,” Blackburn said.

“But it’s not just myself and Sam. We’ve got a really dangerous forward line and everyone in there has the ability to pop up and hit the scoreboard each week.”

After being on the wrong side of a 127-point belting last week, North Hobart coach Clinton French understands his side also has a lot to play for.

“We didn’t come to play last week and we had some pretty strong conversations with the group,” French said.

“We’ve got some challenges with injuries at the moment but we aren’t going to make excuses so we understand we have to show a response this week against Lauderdale.”

The Demons will welcome back former skipper Hugh Williams Snr for the match but will still be without Sam Caswell and Hugh Williams Jnr.