Tasmania Devils’ #NABLeagueGirls home debut was spoiled by a slick Oakleigh Chargers outfit at North Hobart Oval on Saturday, with the visitors running out 102-point winners in difficult conditions.
On a historic day for Tassie footy and the Devils program, the Chargers proved too strong, with seven unanswered goals in the second quarter laying the foundation for the result.
The Devils refused to give up, however, playing the game out in a competitive manner, underlined by a domination in the tackle count (42-18).
The Devils responded well to Oakleigh’s second quarter onslaught, with the defensive group standing tall in the face of repeated Chargers’ forward 50 entries.
Oakleigh’s ability to win the footy proved to be the difference, with the Chargers’ experience coming to the fore.
Line coach Jodie Clifford, who assumed the reigns in the absence of Emma Humphries on North Melbourne AFLW duties, says the scoreboard wasn’t the key focus for the group.
“We knew our first game was going to be a learning experience for our girls,” Clifford said.
“We are really proud of them because every quarter we asked them to do something with what they had learned from the previous quarter. The way the girls responded was great.”
The Chargers provided the Devils with a stern physical test, impressing with their ferocity and pace.
“The physicality of the game stood out for our girls because we are nowhere near as big.
“We knew it was going to be fast-paced and they would be under the pump. Learning how to use our bodies to our advantage will be a big focus as we go into preparations for next week.
“The standard of the NAB League, the pace of the game and the size of the girls was probably one of the biggest learnings from our side.”
Clifford was pleased with the intent shown early, with the first 10 minutes of the clash a genuine arm wrestle.
“I thought our first 10 minutes was really positive, our girls went out there with an attacking mindset and tried to be first to the ball. ”
Co-captain Camilla Taylor led from the front all afternoon, laying five tackles; while Emerging Leaders Amy Prokopiec and Jemma Blair competed well in defence under immense pressure.
The Devils will travel to Kilsyth next weekend to meet the Eastern Ranges.
TASMANIA DEVILS: 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 (2)
Best players: Camilla Taylor, Meghan Gaffney, Jemma Blair, Aprille Crooks, Jemma Webster, Amy Prokopiec
OAKLEIGH CHARGERS: 2.2 9.4 12.7 16.8 (104)
Goals: T. Morton 3, S. Reid 2, R. Thiele 2, C. Rowbottom 2, S. Morley 2, A. Ling 2, E. James, M. Clift, L. Boyd-Singer
Best players: A. Micallef, C. Rowbottom, T. Morton, M. Hill, J. Lin, R. Thiele
Further stats are available on the official NAB League App.
Vision can be found here.