Play all audios:
AdSportFootballSportFootballNews HomeGood evening, Your ContentNewslettersMy saved ListAccountMy AccountLogoutNewsSportCommunityTributes & FuneralsClassifiedsExplore
TravelEntertainmentLifestyleRecommendedQuick LinksToday’s PaperDownload our appInteractive PuzzlesViewJobsNetworkVideoView real estatePress Releases from AAPContact usHelp CentrePrivacy
PolicyAbout usView Subscription OffersThe Examiner's complete view of propertyHome/Sport/FootballLaunceston's Brendan Taylor made for TSL: ThorpBy Hamish GealeUpdated July 25 2019 - 5:00pm,
first published 4:55pmBy Hamish GealeUpdated July 25 2019 - 5:00pm, first published 4:55pmFacebookTwitterWhatsappEmailCopyCLEAN HANDS: Launceston tackling machine Brendan Taylor has been
impressing in his fourth year at the club. Picture: Scott Gelston Launceston coach Mitch Thorp has tipped his hat to underrated midfielder Brendan Taylor ahead of the Blues' must-win trip to
North Hobart.
Subscribe now for unlimited access. Login or signup to continue reading
50% off EOFY SaleAll articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperCrosswords, Sudoku and TriviaAll other regional websites in your areaContinue Starting his career at
North Launceston before crossing to play in St Pats' losing NTFA division 2 grand final in 2015, Taylor arrived at Windsor Park in 2016 and made an instant impact.
The 24-year-old has played every game this season, the best of which was a 37-possession outing in round two's loss to Lauderdale, and has regularly led his side's tackle count.
MORE FOOTBALL: Mia King collects another honour
The Hawk taking over from Buddy Franklin
"Brendan Taylor has had a fantastic last month - he's averaged 26 disposals a game and 12 tackles," Thorp said.
"He's played over 50 games and he's now getting a bit of reward for the time that he's invested in this competition.
"So definitely Brendan has done a great job this season and Miller Hodge continues to grow off half-back for us and Casey Brown on the wing.
"Those three have had a last great month and a great year to date."
Casey Brown Launceston made just one change for Saturday's clash, recalling fit-again young gun Tyson Miller at the expense of Ben Killalea.
With their injury list having shortened as dramatically as their premiership odds in recent weeks, the Blues look set to take a largely settled 22 into the last few weeks of the home and
away season.
"We've certainly got some younger guys fighting for those last couple of spots in the side," Thorp said.
"The key word is balance - we've got a better balance in our side now we've got some key defenders, some key forwards and the midfield is pretty settled.
"So the balance is right, we just need to keep the enthusiasm up and strong performances and see how far we can go."
With seven goals in a best-on-ground effort last weekend and 36 for the season, Thorp looms as a key match-up for the 1-13 Demons.
ELSEWHERE IN SPORT
Titmus making case for Tasmania's best-ever athleteLaunceston's 2019-20 BBL fixtures revealedSeason-defining derby for Cavs, Hawks George Bailey ready for Canada venture North Hobart skipper
and 150-gamer Hugh Williams backed in his blossoming defender Bailey Walker to nullify the Blues coach.
"[Walker is] one of the really good young key defenders in the competition so he'll relish the opportunity," Williams said.
"He's played on him four or five times now - last year he played on him, this year he played on him and he's got a good record.
"Obviously Thorp's kicked seven on the weekend and is in really good form so it'll be a challenge for him."
The Demons made four changes to the side that seriously challenged Glenorchy for three quarters last weekend, with Callum Kilpatrick (hamstring) headlining the outs and Jacques Barwick
returning from Tassie Devils duties.
Do you know a junior sports star who calls Northern Tasmania home? Nominate them today.
ShareFacebookTwitterWhatsappEmailCopyHamish GealeJournalistHamish Geale is a senior reporter at The Examiner.Got good news? Email: [email protected] Geale is a senior reporter at
The Examiner.Got good news? Email: [email protected] from AFLKarma bug bites wayward Crows in Friday fright nightJustin ChadwickHawks star kicks late winner to sink wayward
CrowsJustin ChadwickPickett's contract an endorsement for Demons: GoodwinJoanna GuelasKarma bug bites wayward Crows in Friday fright nightJustin ChadwickHawks star kicks late winner to sink
wayward CrowsJustin ChadwickPickett's contract an endorsement for Demons: GoodwinJoanna Guelas'Revenge and redemption' on Giants' Gabba menuMurray Wenzel and Joanna GuelasMore from
FootballRecord-breaking Friday night as Launceston brings decade's biggest AFL crowdNo commentsTwo proud football clubs share chocolate cake 100 years in the makingNo commentsRecord-breaking
Eagle celebrated for his 'unreal' commitment to NTFA clubNo commentsFormer State League sides to face-off in potential NTFA grand final previewNo commentsBeloved Bridgenorth gun to reach
200, 'super passionate' in flag pursuitNo comments'So proud': Team's youngest player kicks goal in defeat to champion teamNo commentsNewsletters & AlertsView all Daily
Your morning news Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update.
Loading... Weekdays
The lunch break Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation.
Loading... Weekdays
The evening wrap Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening.
Loading... Weekly
Subscriber OnlyNote from the Editor Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters.
Loading... Weekly
Subscriber OnlyFootyHQ Love footy? We've got all the action covered.
Loading... Weekly
Sport The latest news, results & expert analysis.
Loading... Weekly
Explore Travel Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe.
Loading... Weekdays
The Echidna Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more.
Loading... Twice weekly
The Informer Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday.
Loading... Twice weekly
Voice of Real Australia Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over.
Loading... As it happens
Subscriber OnlySpecial Reports Get the very best journalism from The Examiner by signing up to our special reports.
Loading... Weekly
Motoring Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner.
Loading... As it happens
Breaking news alert Be the first to know when news breaks.
Loading... Daily
Subscriber OnlyToday's Paper Alert Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am!
Loading... Daily
Subscriber OnlyYour favourite puzzles Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!
Loading... Advertisement
Ad Advertisement
AdAustralian Community MediaACM WebsiteConditions of UsePrivacyTerms and Conditions - Digital SubscriptionTerms and Conditions - Newspaper SubscriptionThe ExaminerContactAbout UsWorking With
UsToday's PaperCommenting GuidelinesView Property EditionHelp CentreOur SitesViewExploreView InsuranceBeevoPlace an AdClassifiedsCarsTributes & FuneralsCelebrationsPromo
CodesAgTraderMeHelpFarmer's FinanceGarage SalesSubmitSend a letter to the EditorSend Us Your News