Ahead of Jordan Cousens' 150th senior game on Saturday against South Launceston, Rocherlea coach Josh Ponting has offered some high praise. Having played football together at both North Launceston and Rocherlea, Ponting described his teammates as "up there with the best he's played with". "He's the best player in the competition in my opinion and has been for a long time, he's probably a bit stiff not to have a few Hec Smith Medals hanging around his neck, but that is what that is," he said. "You know what you're doing to get from Cuz every week, he just goes out there and goes about his business." READ MORE: NBL: JackJumpers show fight as United claim semi-final one The match-up pits third against fourth, with both sides having lost once this season, and with leaders Longford having the bye, an early opportunity arises. "We're confident going into every game we play, we back our system and we'll put our best foot forward but South are a good side and have been for a lot of years," Ponting said. "They've still got a good experience and from what I've heard they've got some good young kids, I've got a pretty good relationship with a lot of people at South and we are looking forward to the contest." South Launceston come into the clash having won last year's grand final rematch against Bracknell, with Anthony Taylor's young group building their belief. "Rocherlea are a different side to Bracknell and they are very tough to beat at home, so we'll just look to start well and get the game on our terms as best we can," Taylor said. "Like every coach across the comp at this time of year, we are trying to build consistency and put some good solid performances in." Another two sides who have started the season in similar circumstances do battle as Hillwood host Bridgenorth. The Sharks defeated Scottsdale in round two before going down to George Town last weekend and Bridgenorth coach Phil Lethborg is wary of their improvement. "This year it's a very even competition and every game is a tough game, they've certainly recruited well and improved a lot," he said. "They've got a few ex-Launnie players with a bit of speed so they are going to be a tough contest on their home deck." Former Launceston co-captain Hamish Leedham has been the Sharks' big recruit this season, while fellow Blues Archie Wilkinson, Tyson Miller, Toby Upson and Zac Camplin have also joined the club. Wilkinson has been impressive up forward, kicking eight goals across their two games. George Town will also celebrate the milestone of a favourite son, with Shane Baker bringing up his 100th game against Scottsdale. "He debuted at 15 and is known for his skills and a brilliant step," co-coach Joel Coad said. "It would be nice for him to get a win against his old side this weekend." As the Saints picked up their first win last weekend, Coad was incredibly pleased with how the team performed. READ MORE: Blues v Bombers: Alec Wright to make VFL debut for North Melbourne "We made some changes last weekend and brought in some more competitors and it worked, they played their roles well," he said. "We got to play our own game a bit more, we had a tough start against Bracknell and Rocherlea in the first two weeks, so it was nice to play our own game a bit more and get on the board early." Scottsdale had the bye last weekend after starting the season with a victory over Rocherlea and being defeated by Hillwood in round two. The round's other contest sees reigning premiers Bracknell host the win-less Deloraine. The second-placed Redlegs will be eager to get back on the winners' list and could claim an early-season lead with a victory given Longford have the bye. Deloraine have had a tough start this year, being two points either side of an 100-point loss against South Launceston and Longford. Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
