Hobart Zebras will field a near full-strength side for their Lakoseljac Cup match against Clarence United at KGV Park at 7.30pm today.
Nicky
Edwards will be rested after a shoulder injury on the weekend, while either
Jordan Muller or Jayden Hey may also be omitted.
But,
striker Mathew Sanders will fly in from Melbourne and Henry Fagg will get a run
in defence.
“We’ll
field close to our best side,” said Zebras coach, David Smith.
“We
want to get as far as we can in this competition and we won’t be taking any chances.
“It’s
a good test for us and it’s just another game we can fit into our schedule.”
Zebras
beat Clarence 9-0 in the league a month ago and there is no indication that this
cup tie will be any different.
Smith
is unable to use his younger players from the Under-18s as they would be
cup-tied from their own cup competitions if he plays them.
Two
of his back-ups in the senior squad have left because of lack of game time.
Midfielder
Lachie Burt has joined Clarence, where his father is coach, and will face his
former club tonight, while defender Luke Bighin has retired at the age of 19,
which Smith says is disappointing.
“Some
of these younger guys would probably have played tonight,” Smith said.
“At
the senior level, we’re interested in winning because that’s what our sponsors
and supporters want.
“At
the younger levels, it’s about development, but at the top it’s about winning
and you have to field your best and strongest side.”
Smith
said it was sad to see some players not willing to persevere and earn a senior
berth on merit.
Clarence
will be without the suspended Paul Bremner.
Paul Palmer, a former Zebras player, will partner Jeremy Price at the centre of the defence.
Mitch Voss is out injured and this will enable Sam Randall to move from fullback to midfield.
Coach Warren Burt said he will expect a good performance from youngster Jackson Ebini, formerly with Olympia Warriors.
4 comments:
Spot you have to earn your place.yes this competition is probably bigger than title with ffa cup.After what Devonport have achieved around the country
What a joke ,, yes It’s really sad to see 19 year old players retire when you can fly someone in from Melbourne ? This is exactly why Tasmania should never ever have a team !
Shame about Luke had potential to be a quality player
How funny . You are 100% correct. And it doesn’t look like they will go anywhere near winning this year either. What a joje
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