The Tasmania Devils will return home in round nine of the NAB League Girls when they host the Bendigo Pioneers at North Hobart Oval. The game will be played this Sunday March 20, with first bounce at 12:30 PM and all of the action streamed live via the NAB League app.
After a tough loss on the road last round, the Devils will be looking to bounce back strongly against the Pioneers. A win would keep their slim finals hopes alive, while a loss will officially end their premiership hopes. While they continue to hold their own in the midfield, their transition into attack will need to be more polished than in recent weeks. They won the disposal count against top-two side Eastern Ranges last week, and yet finished the game with 13 less inside 50s. If those entries can be improved, then a big win may not be far away.
It will be a tough game for the Pioneers, with several of their top players missing due to the NAB AFLW Under 18 Championships game between Vic Metro and Vic Country. While they are out of the finals race, the opportunity to play spoiler for the Devils should provide plenty of motivation.
Last time they met
This will be the second meeting between the Devils and the Pioneers this season, with Tasmania enjoying a 28-point win in round four. Bellah Parker was dominant up forward, kicking 3.2 from her eight disposals, while Claire Ransom led the way in the midfield with 20 disposals and seven inside 50s. For Bendigo, Lucia Painter finished with a game-high 22 disposals and kicked a goal on a tough day for her side.
Team news
There are two big changes to Tasmania’s team from last round, with midfielders Priya Bowering and Claire Ransom both ruled out through injuries. Bowering has been a revelation this season, leading the Devils in clearances and contested possessions, while Ransom has been outstanding once again in averaging 19.4 disposals per game. Shania Saward and Jenna Griffiths come into the side in their place.
Key players
Tasmania Devils
Brooke Barwick
The Devils have plenty of star power in their midfield, but with Bowering and Ransom both absent some extra responsibility will fall to Barwick. The AFLW Academy member has enjoyed a strong season to date, averaging 15.6 disposals and 6.3 tackles per game and stepping up in several big moments. Still just 16 years of age, she is more than capable of stepping up and leading Tasmania’s midfield from the front.
Georgia Clark
Clark has been outstanding inside 50 for the Devils all season, but she showed off her versatility last round against the Ranges. With her side struggling to move the ball forward she worked tirelessly up the ground to assist, grabbing a season-high four contested marks in the process. Whether it’s in front of the goals or further afield, it’s hard to see the Pioneers keeping her down for all four quarters.
Bendigo Pioneers
Lucia Painter
She was Bendigo’s star last time these sides met, and that performance wasn’t an outlier in Painter’s season. She has averaged 20.1 disposals and 7.6 tackles per game, while also booting six goals from seven appearances. She will be a handful for the Devils around the contest and inside 50.
Freya Pearce
The Pioneers have struggled around the stoppages this season, and Pearce will be tasked with slowing down star Devils ruck Charlie Vandenberg. While not a prolific tap ruck, she worked hard at ground level and laid eight tackles in her last game against Murray. That follow-up work will be crucial again in this contest.