We’re fighting for you, brother
LAUNCESTON is embroiled in a tribunal battle that will test family ties as it prepares for Sunday’s TSL grand final against North Launceston.
Ruckman-forward Cody Thorp, 28, will contest the twomatch ban handed down by the TSL’s match review panel for engaging in rough conduct against Clarence’s Lachlan Borsboom in Sunday’s preliminary final win over the Roos.
The Blues have chosen to contest the match review panel’s findings and will take it to Tuesday night’s tribunal hearing to clear Thorp for the decider.
Thorp’s absence would be a blow for the Blues given he has kicked 30 goals in his dual role and was named in the TSL team of the year.
Blues coach Mitch Thorp said as tough as it was, he had to focus on the group not just his younger brother.
“While I’m his brother, I’m also the coach of the team,” Mitch said.
“As blunt as it is, as harsh as it is Cody is only one player within our group.
“It is not ideal in finals to have players going to the tribunal, so we will let it take its course. He’s obviously important to our group, he was in the team of the year and played really well on the weekend so we are really hoping he will be out there but we’ll see how it pans out.”
If unsuccessful, the Blues could appeal the tribunal’s findings with that hearing to be held on Friday night, just two nights before the grand final.
Launceston does have experienced
ruckman Hamish Leedham to bring in, but Mitch Thorp said the Blues could make a surprise inclusion if his younger brother was rubbed out, given how important Cody has been as a goal kicker, especially in the absence of injured spearhead Dylan Riley.
“It might even be me for a straight swap, it might be brother for brother,” Mitch said. “It would probably be more role based than a player so whether it is a key forward or whether it is a ruckman will probably dictate who comes in.”
A former top 10 AFL national draft pick, Mitch Thorp, 32, has only played three games this year, for a return of three goals, as he focused more on coaching.
He has not played since taking on the Tigers in mid July.
“If I’m playing then obviously I would be confident otherwise I wouldn’t be out there,” he said.
“But we are getting too far ahead of the situation.
“We’ll see what happens with Cody tomorrow night first.
“We’ve still got our main training session on Thursday to work through a few things.”