Photo: Solstice Digital
After earning their first win of the NAB League Girls season last week, the Tasmania Devils will be looking to build some momentum when they take on the Oakleigh Chargers in round three. After back-to-back games in the north of the state, the Devils will travel south to North Hobart Oval for Saturday’s clash, with the first bounce at 12:00 PM.
Both the Devils and the Chargers come into this matchup with one win and one loss on their record, and with each of their losses to date coming against the Sandringham Dragons. Tasmania brings winning form into round three after their convincing 31-point victory over the Western Jets, while the Chargers enjoyed a similarly impressive performance in round one as they beat the Northern Knights. The winner of this clash will likely sit inside the top four at the end of the round, while the loser will slip a little off the pace early in the season.
Last time they met
It was a tight tussle when these sides met in 2021, with the Chargers claiming a narrow six-point win. The Devils started strongly and led at half time, but they failed to kick a goal after the main break as the Chargers edged ahead late. Georgia Clark led the Devils with two goals, while Claire Ransom impressed with 15 disposals and five tackles. For the Chargers, Holly Kenealy was the focal point in attack and booted three of their five goals. The Chargers would go on to win the NAB League Girls premiership, with the win over the Devils one of their closest all year.
Team news
The Devils have made four changes to last week’s victorious side, with Candice Belbin, Kelsie Hill, Charlotte Dennis and Mackenzie Williams out of the lineup. All four inclusions will be making their Devils debut, with Halle Whitehead, Courtney Hingston, Meg Harrison and Meg Thompson set for their first NAB League action.
Key players
Tasmania Devils
Priya Bowering
After spending time in the forward line, midfield and backline through the opening two rounds, Bowering will start on the ball in the absence of Belbin. Bowering has already impressed early in the season, averaging 12.5 disposals and four tackles per game in that hybrid role. At just 15 years of age Bowering is one of Tasmania’s brightest young talents, and she has the chance to announce herself with a big game against the reigning premiers.
Georgia Alomes
After spending the bulk of her career as a forward and in the ruck, Alomes was a standout last week after being shifted into the Devils backline. Regularly beating her opponent one on one and showing her strength in the air, she finished with 11 disposals and three rebound 50s while also assisting in the ruck. Up against a dangerous Oakleigh attack, she will be an important player once again.
Oakleigh Chargers
Jasmine Fleming
Fleming has been a ball magnet early in the NAB League season, leading the disposal count for the Chargers in each of their first two games. After averaging 20 disposals in three games last season, she has upped her game even further in 2022, racking up 22.5 disposals and four marks per game in the opening two rounds. The midfield battle will be crucial, and Fleming will need to give her side first use around the stoppages wherever possible.
Kristen Smith
One of the most impressive forwards in the season’s early running, Smith currently sits fifth in the NAB League goalkicking charts with five majors. She was dominant in their round one win over the Knights, booting four goals from 19 disposals. The Devils defence will need to find an effective matchup in order to keep her quiet, or she may tear the game away from them.