Roos regain key pair for vital clash

CLARENCE’S stocks have been improved by the return of former AFL-listed players Sam Siggins and Jeromey Webberley from injury for its top of the table match against North Launceston at UTas Stadium tomorrow.

The return of the pair will be a big boost for the Roos in a game that will send the winning side a game clear on top of the ladder.

While North Launceston’s talls pose a challenge for the travelling side, coach Webberley, back from a hamstring strain, believes the inclusion of Siggins (shoulder) can lift the Roos. “North Launceston’s talls are some of the best in the competition,” Webberley said.

“Having Sam in helps us in that area, but it also gives us versatility and flexibility with our team.”

Hoping to make his own return to the Roos line-up, Webberley will make sure he is fully fit before running out against the ladder leaders.

Webberley is likely to play, but if the hamstring doesn’t feel right on the day he won’t risk playing with finals football at stake.

“With only a few weeks to go before the finals, if I tear it again then I’m going to miss that opportunity,” he said. “So I need to make sure that I’m 100 per cent, to give myself the best opportunity to have a good finals series.”

The Roos will also be encouraged that midfielder Jake Cox trained successfully this week after a groin scare in last week’s win over Burnie.

“He’s had a bit of an issue with the groin throughout the year, so for management we’ve given him a lot of work on the track this week, and he’ll be fine to go,” Webberley said.

North Launceston adds to its forward line firepower with the return of Tom Bennett.