Toughest call of all for full-strength Bombers
THERE was mixed news for the McGuinness household at the Lauderdale selection table with one brother making way for another for tomorrow’s TSL grand final.
Just a fortnight after shining for the Bombers in their semi-final smashing of Launceston, Matt McGuinness has been dropped for middle sibling Ben for the clash against North Launceston at UTas Stadium.
Ben, who has not played since breaking his thumb two months ago — a week after kicking seven goals against Glenorchy — has been recalled to join oldest brother Josh in the side.
Coach Darren Winter said picking the grand final team was one of the toughest decisions of his tenure at the club, with Ryan Wiggins and wingman Corey Laoumtzis also included at the expense of last week’s late inclusions Josh Williams and Ray Hill.
“It wasn’t much fun. I’m sure the guys that are in the team will value their position knowing we have had three outstanding young men go out of the team,” Winter said. “It was pretty emotional for the players and to be honest myself as well.”
Wiggins missed the preliminary final with an ankle injury, while Ben McGuinness was set to resume before being withdrawn following hamstring tightness in the warm-up.
As expected North Launceston named Tom Couch, with last year’s premiership coach to play his first match in more than three months.
Couch was selected for the semifinal but pulled up sore from a run on the Friday, just days after returning from New York.
The northern Bombers could also make a late change on game day with star defender Jay Foon listed as an emergency. Foon has not played since suffering a horrific neck injury in Round 17 which was expected to rule him out for the remainder of the year.