Joseph praises his mids

Laycock leading way

HOBART captain Brad Joseph credits the Tigers’ midfield unit for their unbeaten run to start the SFL season ahead of a blockbuster top-of-the-ladder clash with the Huonville Lions at the TCA Ground today.

The injection of Jason Laycock into the ruck has given the Tigers a critical advantage at centre clearances and stoppages.

Laycock returns to the side this week and Joseph said the Tigers would need every advantage they can get against Huonville in the final round before the SFL’s representative clash with the NWFU at Ulverstone next weekend.

“We’re 4-0 and that’s a really good start,” Joseph said.

“But we are well aware it’s only a start and it’s a long season, so there’s a lot of water to go under the bridge yet.

“Huonville are the benchmark. They’re a great side and they’ve picked up some topend talent, so we are looking forward to the challenge.”

One of those players is former Clarence and state captain Brady Jones.

“I don’t think we will tag him, but we’ll watch him around the stoppages,” Joseph said.

“We will back our system against theirs and see how it stacks up.”

He said Laycock had delivered a significant boost.

“We’ve picked up a lot of experience and height, which we lacked last year,” Joseph said. “It’s not only Jase’s onfield work, it’s his off-field stuff as well.

“He has been working with the midfield with the stoppages, and he’s really improved that area of our game.

“You could put a lot of our success to date down to that, along with our fitness.”

Huonville skipper James McIndoe said the Lions were back on track after early losses.

“We started off slow, especially against Cygnet, but since then we’ve been trying to put four quarters together,” he said.

“Against Claremont we had to create our own energy, and last week it was really good to do it against a good side like New Norfolk.

“This week is another step up against Hobart. They are top of the ladder and you have to respect that, and every player you come across.”

A win over the SFL pacesetter would give the Lions a shot of confidence.

“It would say we’re on track for where we want to be, on top of everyone,” McIndoe said.

In other games, Claremont is at home to Dodges Ferry, Cygnet plays Brighton at Kermandie, and Lindisfarne takes on New Norfolk at Boyer.