Premier wary of surging Bulldogs

They’re the reigning premiers, but Rocherlea coach Josh Ponting believes round 1 opponents South Launceston could be the team to beat this NTFA premier season.

The Tigers steamrolled Hillwood in the second half of last year’s grand final to win the flag, but are wary of a young Bulldogs side expected to improve again this year.

South Launceston had a slow start to the year but embarked on a long mid-season winning streak before falling to the Tigers in the preliminary final.

Both clubs have retained the vast majority of last year’s squads and added some class before Saturday’s clash at Rocherlea.

“I’ve pointed out to the boys every other team is going to circle us on the calendar, because they’re going to want to make a statement against the premiers,” he said.

“But the boys have put the first step in and had a good preseason, we hope to be up to that challenge every week.”

Ponting was complementary of a Bulldogs squad which has added former skipper Jordan Tepper and North Launceston’s Harry Summers.

“I reckon they’re probably the ones to beat, to be honest. If they’ve grown like anything they did last year, they’re definitely going to be the team to beat,” he said.

Bulldogs coach Jack Maher said he was extremely pleased with his depth and confident of getting off to a quicker start.

However, they will be tested by a tough opening month against Rocherlea (away), Bridgenorth (home), Hillwood (away) and Longford (home).

Bridgenorth, who finished sixth last year, is expected to be the big improvers after luring a number of quality recruits.

PREMIER DIVISION

Round 1: Hillwood v Scottsdale at Hillwood Recreation Reserve (2pm), Rocherlea v South Launceston at Rocherlea Football Ground (2pm), Bridgenorth v Bracknell at Bridgenorth Recreation Ground (2pm), Deloraine v George Town at Deloraine Football Club (4pm).