Bombers coach well aware heat is on this week

LAUDERDALE coach Darren Winter is under no illusions that his side will face a much tougher assignment against Launceston in tonight’s do-ordie semi-final clash at UTas Stadium than they did seven days ago against the Roos.

The Bombers comfortably accounted for an injury-riddled Clarence last week and while Winter believes his team is more dangerous than last season, he insists they will have to be on their game to advance to next week’s preliminary final.

“We will have to be at our best, if not above that, for the whole game. If we can’t do that they will certainly chop us up like they have done in the past,” Winter said.

While he says the Blues may not have any “standout superstars”, the Bombers coach says they do have the most balanced list in the competition.

“They are really even right across the board. They have players in their development league we would love to get our hands on for our seniors.

“[Chayce] Jones and [Dylan] Riley are probably the hardest to match up on.”

After taking the points over Roos star Jake Cox last week, Winter will refrain from giving former AFL player Josh McGuinness another shutdown role, preferring to let him play his usual game.

“Josh will do what is required but he will probably play as a more traditional halfback this week without that shutdown role.

“He’s played some pretty important roles for us this year and he is a leader of the club.”

Launceston coach Sam Lonergan said that while the Blues have a slight advantage given they do not have to travel, they won’t be taking the Bombers lightly despite a 64point win over Winter’s men in Round 17.

“Lauderdale are a solid side and their back half of the year has been outstanding … five weeks ago we beat them when they were the in-form team of the competition,” he said.