Fresh from their first road trip and first away win of the season, the Devils will return to Craigieburn in round five for a meeting with the Northern Knights. The first bounce at the Highgate Recreation Reserve will be at midday, with a live stream available via the Herald Sun website.
While the Devils are sitting in a strong position after four rounds, fifth on the ladder and with a healthy percentage, they are yet to win back-to-back games in 2022. With plenty of momentum from last week’s comfortable win over Bendigo, this game presents a perfect opportunity to break that trend and take some positive form into the bye round. Look for the Devils defence, allowing just 31.8 points per contest, to lead the way once again.
The Knights, meanwhile, are still searching for their first win this season after copping a battering in the opening four rounds. That makes them a dangerous opponent, though, as they will come out motivated and with nothing to lose. They are the number one team in the NAB League for short kicks and uncontested possessions, and they will look to control the tempo of the game with their patience when in possession.
Last time they met
The Knights travelled south in round eight of the 2021 season, and they made the Devils work for a tough seven-point win. Tasmania trailed by 11 points at three-quarter time but stormed home late, booting three goals in the final term while holding the Knights to just two behinds. Amy Bissett kicked three goals from 15 disposals, while Georgia Clark was a strong all-around contributor with 12 disposals, seven tackles and a goal.
Team news
There are two changes to Tasmania’s lineup from last week, headlined by the return of captain Jemma Blair from injury. She is joined in the side by Amy Edmand, who will be playing her first game of the season. Amy Bissett will be managed after playing every game to date, with Shania Saward forced out of the side through injury.
Key players
Tasmania Devils
Maisie Edwards
Often flying under the radar, Edwards has become one of the most reliable performers in the Devils side. A tough half forward by trade, she can provide support around the stoppages with her willingness to win the hard ball. She is also a major threat inside the attacking 50, and she has kicked a goal in all but one of Tasmania’s games this season.
Georgia Alomes
After holding down a post in the Devils backline in the first four rounds, the return of Blair will see Alomes start forward against the Knights. She has shown plenty of strength in the air and a clean set of hands while playing in defence, and those skills should continue to serve her well at the opposite end of the ground. It would be no surprise to see her among the goals against a Knights defence that has allowed bags of four and three already this season.
Northern Knights
Rylie Wilcox
An explosive athlete that can play in the midfield or forward line, Wilcox has racked up big numbers in the first four rounds of the season. She is averaging 22 disposals, 6.3 marks and 5.8 inside 50s per game, showing off a clean set of hands in the air and at ground level. Her ability to break lines could cause issues for the Devils if they can’t keep her quiet around the stoppages.
Ava Jordan
Jordan started the season with a bang, racking up 27 disposals against the reigning premiers in round one, and she hasn’t slowed down since. Averaging 23 disposals and 6.5 tackles per game, she is a two-way threat in the midfield despite standing at just 146 centimetres tall. Still a bottom age player in 2022, she won’t be fazed by the stars in the Devils midfield.