Tough test looms
They’ve cracked the ton in their first two games, but Longford’s focus on improving their offensive potency will face its first major test when they face fellow unbeaten side South Launceston on Saturday.
The Bulldogs (3-0) have begun the NTFA Premier season on fire with three wins against highly fancied opponents in Rocherlea, Bridgenorth and Hillwood.
The Tigers (2-0) kicked 20 goals on struggling Scottsdale and backed up with 16 against Bracknell last week.
But Longford coach Mitch Stagg dismissed any fears their softer start to the season will affect them against the ladder-leading Dogs.
“South have got a fantastic program and have started the season in great form. I think the contest will be a great showcase of the best football the NTFA premier competition can offer,” Stagg said.
“It’s certainly not a concern, the guys have done the work over the off season. Bracknell probably could have won their first two games, and while we got over them the last three quarters they were certainly a good test for us.” While both teams are legitimate contenders for the flag, they also have one eye on next year after their applications to be part of the inaugural NTFA Premier League was successful.
“Both clubs have had a view to 12 months time in terms of the professionalism and the way we prepare,” Stagg said. “Both programs have brought on a lot of juniors, half our premiership side (2022) comes from our junior programs. That’s always been a priority of ours, and South is much the same. It’s going to be a great showcase of both systems.”
The recruitment of Daniel Berry, Deagan Madden and Mitchell Bennett has given the Tigers more threats up forward, something which hampered them at times last year. Mainstay key forward Luke Murfitt-Cowen has had a big pre-season and been rewarded with 14 goals in two games.
“Defensively both teams are very sound, which is no different to last season. The front half of the ground will be absolutely crucial in my mind,” Stagg said.
“South has recruited some speed in their front half so we’ll have to be strong defensively at ground level to win the game.
“While it’s pleasing to crack the 100 our first two games, we’re under no illusions this week is going to be a much bigger test for us.
“The biggest thing for us is when momentum is not going our way we trustthe process and that will go our way over 100 minutes.
NTFA PREMIER ROUND FOUR - SATURDAY: Bracknell v Scottsdale at Bracknell Recreation Ground (2pm); Deloraine v Bridgenorth at Deloraine Football Club (2.30pm); South Launceston v Longford at Youngtown Memorial Oval (2.30pm); George Town v Hillwood at George Town Sports Complex (2.30pm)