Clarence ready for Demons’ anger

CLARENCE coach Jeromey Webberley is welcoming a “grudge” TSL clash against North Hobart this weekend as some new Roos square off against former teammates for the first time.

The Roos ruffled the feathers of the Demons by signing several of the club’s top-line talent in the off season, with Baxter Norton (inset) and Jake Steele — who is stuck in the development league — crossing to the Eastern Shore.

They joined former Demons spearhead Colin Garland, who walked out on North in 2019.

It sets up a potential spiteful encounter at Blundstone Arena.

“Why wouldn’t there be? And I think we’ve got to welcome that,” Webberley said when asked if he was bracing for plenty of heat.

“Let’s expect it, but it’s about us meeting North Hobart head on, we’ve got to respond after (Launceston) and you know if they’ve got a bit of spite about some players leaving their club, well, they’re obviously going to.

“We expect a really fierce North Hobart, but that’s the reality of footy and every week is a challenge and next week is no different.”

Garland, who missed the mauling from Launceston with knee soreness, is a chance to return but Webberley (knee) is more unlikely than likely.

Of more immediate concern is how the Roos respond from becoming Launceston’s latest roadkill.

“I’m sure we’ll get a response from this group, we’ve had responses after round one and this group is a proud group and I’m sure they’ll bounce back,” he said.