Glenorchy angling to reel in Whiting
AS sure as Glenorchy will run out in black and white at Blundstone Arena today, Launceston forward Sonny Whiting can expect a day from hell, courtesy of one of the Magpies’ best minders in their cut-throat TSL elimination final.
With 44 goals to his name this season, Whiting was second only to Glenorchy maestro Jaye Bowden (52) in the race for the Hudson Medal as the competition’s top goal kicker. That makes him enemy No.1 to the Glenorchy defence.
It’s only a matter of who gets the role.
“We’ve got some guys who are in good form in our backline,” Glenorchy coach Aaron Cornelius said.
“Both the Arnold boys [Josh and Jordy] do very good shutdown roles. Matty Dilger has had a stand-out year. Liam Smith has done some roles this year. We’ve got options, but I can’t say which one it will be.”
Glenorchy finished minor premier last year and Launceston did not make the finals. Both are playing to keep their seasons alive.
“We’ve got nothing to lose,” Cornelius said. “They’re a formidable side. They match up well on us. They’ve got a very strong midfield and they’ve got some potency up forward — we know what Sonny Whiting and Rulla Kelly-Mansell can do.
“Their backline is very disciplined. They move the ball well.”
There seems to be one chink in the Blues’ armour. “They have a bit of trouble with speed this year,” Cornelius said.
“Hopefully, that’s something we can bring to the game.”
Glenorchy regained No.1 ruckman Cam Duffy and ruckman-forward Mitch Hills after one week out, which gives the Pies tall timber options.
“It’s great to have those two back in the side. Mitch’s leadership is really good and Duff’s had a great year,” Cornelius said.
Another Launceston player concerns the Pies: coach Sam Lonergan, returning from a week off. “He’s a formidable player. He’s played a lot of AFL footy and he’s a hard onballer. He’s a good forward hard to match up on,” Cornelius said.
“You send two ball-winners to each other they don’t go near each other, so it’s an interesting match-up.”