Photo: Solstice Digital
The Tasmania Devils will hit the road once again in round eight of the NAB League Girls, taking on the Eastern Ranges in a must-win clash. The game will be played this Sunday March 13 at the Kilsyth Recreation Reserve, with the action kicking off at 1:30 PM.
Live streaming for this clash will be hosted exclusively on the Herald Sun and Mercury websites, available here. Fans wishing to tune in will need to create an account and subscribe in order to access the broadcast.
The Devils boys will also continue their pre-season preparation this Saturday when they take on Tasmanian State League side Launceston. First bounce at Windsor Park will be at 11:00 AM, and with the Devils’ NAB League squad now confirmed for 2022 it will be a good opportunity for the group to continue to jell.
NAB League Girls preview
It’s a must-win clash for the Devils, with their finals chances hanging by a thread after last week’s narrow loss to Calder. They will need to work hard for every goal against an Eastern Ranges defence that has allowed just 21.5 points per game, but with Georgia Clark and Bellah Parker blossoming as targets inside 50 they certainly have the firepower needed to kick a winning score. The service to them inside 50 has been crucial, with Tasmania’s star-studded midfield continuing to thrive as a unit, and that will need to continue here.
The Ranges midfield has been similarly impressive, led by their ruck division of Mia Austin, Jess Vukic and Jacinta Hose. All three average at least 13 hitouts per game, and they are the reason that the Ranges have led the NAB League Girls in hitouts to advantage this season. That sets up a fascinating duel at the stoppages this week, with the Devils ranking third in that stat after Charlie Vandenberg’s record-breaking performance last round.
RECORD ALERT 🚨
Our ruck Charlie Vandenberg has earned Devils Play of the Week honours after creating history on the weekend.
Vandenberg recorded 14 hitouts to advantage which is the most ever recorded in a NAB League Girls match. 🔥
See all 14 below. 👇 #TheDevilYouKnow pic.twitter.com/f43HKndYKB
— Tasmania Devils (@TasmaniaDevils_) March 7, 2022
Last time they met
The Devils started strongly and surged late when these sides met in round three of 2021, but the Ranges did enough in the middle quarters to claim an 11-point win. Meghan Gaffney had 14 disposals and worked tirelessly around the ground, while Amy Bissett, Amy Prokopiec and Maisie Edwards all kicked a goal apiece. For the Ranges, Bridget Deed led the game with 25 disposals and six clearances.
Team news
There is one change from last week’s side for the Devils, as livewire forward Amy Bissett returns to the side and will provide a boost in front of goal. She replaces Jenna Griffiths, who is unavailable for this match.
Key players
Tasmania Devils
Bellah Parker
Parker has become one of the most consistent forwards in the NAB League, kicking multiple goals four times including in each of her last three games. She now leads the Devils with ten majors this season, which places her sixth among the entire competition. With strong hands overhead and reliable set shot kicking, she will be a key target once again and will be crucial against a stingy Ranges backline.
Charlie Vandenberg
Vandenberg was a maestro in the middle last round, with her 14 hitouts to advantage tying the NAB League Girls record and giving her midfielders first use of the ball. Her 26 hitouts overall set a new season-high mark and lifted her average to 20 per game, placing her sixth in the NAB League and among the country’s elite rucks. This matchup poses a big challenge, but it’s one that Vandenberg has proven herself to be ready for.
Eastern Ranges
Bridget Deed
One of the most prolific ball winners in the NAB League, Deed has taken her game to another level in 2022. Averaging 32.2 disposals and 6.8 tackles per game, she has three games of 35-plus touches in her six appearances this year. Already signed as Hawthorn’s first ever AFLW player, she will be a handful for Tasmania’s midfielders.
Mia Busch
Busch is every chance to join her captain at the Hawks next season, as she is a member of the club’s AFLW academy. She won Eastern’s NAB League best and fairest last season playing between the half back line and the midfield, with her elite endurance helping her to cover plenty of ground. After a relatively quiet start to the season she has rounded into form in recent weeks, racking up 26 disposals and eight marks in her last game against the Stingrays.