Transfer adds spice to clash

JULIUS ROSS

April 30, 2010 09:38am

SOUTH Hobart's blockbuster clash against Hobart Zebras tomorrow has gained extra allure.

South midfielder Jonathan Ladic made a shock midweek transfer to the opposition camp.

Ladic, one of the league's best midfielders, trained with Zebras on Tuesday and rumours are rife he will feature in tomorrow's encounter at South Hobart at 2.30pm.

But an FFT spokesman said the transfer negotiations were stalled yesterday morning, leaving doubts over whether Ladic will come up against South immediately.

South has been further hit by the departure of regular substitute David Abbott who will feature for new club Taroona this weekend but South has a plethora of talent to replace the two outgoing midfielders.

Josh Heerey, who missed last week's 3-1 victory over New Town Eagles, is likely to slot back into the starting line-up, while Hugh Ludford is also available after missing two weeks with an ankle injury.

"It's a big game for us. The group is still strong and the test will be to see how we react to the departures," South coach Ken Morton said.

Zebras defender Ryan Smith is out for up to 10 weeks with a knee injury but Zebras may throw Henry Fagg into the fray after the defender recovered from a neck injury.

Zebras are the only side to have taken points off South this season in a 1-1 draw in the opening game and will threaten South's run of six consecutive victories.

At the same 2.30pm kick-off time, New Town Eagles welcome Kingborough Lions to Clare St where the home side will look to avenge its agonising 3-2 loss against the Lions on the opening day of the season.

Eagles coach George Krambousanos has injury woes with Mark Page out (hamstring) and Steve Louden doubtful but will call up young defender Jacob Clamp and striker Simon Strang.

"We should have beaten them in the first round," Krambousanos said.

"We've only picked up five points from the opening set of fixtures, but it's up to the players now to turn it around."

Marcello Marchioli is unavailable for the Lions due to work commitments, but Andrew Davies will slot back into the starting line-up.

Tomorrow night Glenorchy Knights are likely to keep in touch with league leader South with a victory over Clarence United at Wentworth Park at 6.30pm.

Knights defeated United 5-1 in the corresponding fixture in the first round and should be too good again.

On Sunday, bottom-of-the-table Olympia Warriors clash with second-last Taroona at 2.30pm where the visitors may field former Warrior, Matthew Hedge, who was another player this week to have a transfer request accepted.
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