Bombers ready to attack
CONSIDERED by many to be underdogs, the Lauderdale Bombers are banking on allout attack to upset North Launceston in tomorrow’s TSL grand final in Launceston. Led by captain Bryce Walsh, left, Robbie McManus and Thor Boscott, Lauderdale aims to reverse last year’s grand final defeat by playing a high-octane brand of footy.
MELBOURNE is revelling in the chaos of September with its Richmond-like pressure system.
Richmond’s swarming pressure and unpredictability at stoppages was pivotal in the victory over the Hawks in last week’s qualifying final, and the rampant Dees employed a similar style as they knocked Geelong out of premiership contention.
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin said it was no secret the Demons thrived on chaos in much the same way as last year’s premiers.
“I guess if you looked at our game style there are some similarities, certainly the way we tackle and our pressure and intensity, but there are [also] a lot of differences,” Goodwin said.
Both coaches acknowledged plenty had changed since Hawthorn thrashed Melbourne in Round 4, despite ruckman Max Gawn racking up 66 hitouts.
Goodwin noted that while Hawthorn was better known for precise ball use, it was also more than capable at the coalface.
“Without question I think people underestimate what they’re like in the contest and their tackling,” he said. “We’ve looked at Hawthorn for the last month so we know what they’re good at.”
Goodwin also dismissed talk that injured key forward Jesse Hogan could be on the move at the end of the season.
“We understand the chatter — that chatter’s been around for five years,” Goodwin said. “All I will say on that is that Jesse’s a Melbourne person and a Melbourne player and we love having him at this football club, so that won’t change ... everyone feels valued here.”