By Adam Smith
The championship schedule has been changed this year, with all eight teams to play a set fixture of five matches, including three against their own division and two against the alternate division.
After two heartening lead-up matches against the Gold Coast and Eastern Ranges, the Mariners are primed to kickstart the defence of their Division Two crown.
``We are going in with a strong side that are expected to perform well,'' AFL Tasmania high performance manager Nick Probert said.
``The biggest focus for the team is more effective use of the footy, more effective disposal.''
Probert said a big focus against the NT will be nullifying space, given traditionally the side is packed with fleetfooted runners.
Aside from divisional bragging rights, the championships are also the biggest stage for the next batch of promising juniors to press their claims to be drafted.
All 16 AFL clubs will send scouts to watch the championships, which will conclude with four games on July 1 at the Docklands
Last Modified on 24/05/2009 08:30