The Tasmania Devils will try to remain undefeated in the NAB League Boys when they take on the Northern Knights in round three. After opening their season on the road last week the Devils will welcome the Knights to Penguin’s Dial Park for a huge Good Friday clash, with the action kicking off at 12:30 PM.
Tasmania enjoyed the perfect start to their 2022 campaign last week, beating the Sydney Swans Academy by 11 points. With 15 debutants in the side, it was an impressive and exciting performance under new head coach Jeromey Webberley. The balance in the Devils attack stood out in the win, with four multiple goalkickers and all forwards working perfectly in tandem. That will be important once again against a Knights side that has already flashed their ability to lock down defensively.
The Knights also started their season against the Swans Academy, where they claimed a comprehensive 69-point win and held Sydney to just 26 points. That was followed by a tough 31-point loss to the Oakleigh Chargers, leaving it a little less clear where they sit in the pecking order this year. Still, with plenty of talent on their list they loom as a dangerous opponent.
Team news
There are two changes to last round’s winning side, with another two debutants added into the mix. North Launceston’s Mitch Nicholas comes in for his first NAB League game, as does 15-year-old North Hobart talent Nathaniel Sulzberger. They will replace Dillon Goss and co-captain Sam Banks Smith.
Key players
Tasmania Devils
Lachie Cowan
The Devils co-captain was everywhere against the Swans Academy, racking up 31 disposals, five marks and five tackles while also kicking a goal. That was a timely reminder of Cowan’s talent, and he looks set to cement his place in the top tier of NAB League stars this season. Against a Knights side that dominated the possession in their round one win, his ball-winning ability will be crucial.
Tom McCallum
McCallum was swung from his usual forward post to centre half back last week, and the Devils were rewarded with a best-afield performance. He kept his direct opponent under wraps while collecting 21 disposals and eight marks himself, and his run and carry gave the Devils plenty of drive out of defence. McCallum’s versatility will be an important tool for the Devils coaches this season, and he will again be a key piece against the Knights.
Northern Knights
Nate Caddy
Caddy has enjoyed a strong start to the season in front of goal for the Knights, booting five goals from nine scoring shots in their first two NAB League games. He was their only multiple goalkicker against the Oakleigh Chargers, too, showing his ability to craft scoring chances against the run of play. The bottom-age prospect is a strong mark overhead with an impressive work rate, and the Devils defence will need to work hard to keep him quiet.
Patrick Dozzi
After playing three NAB League games last season, Dozzi has started the 2022 season on fire. A classy outside midfielder with poise in traffic, he is averaging 24.5 disposals, 6 marks and 7.5 tackles across the first two rounds. He looks to be the prime mover for the Knights out of the midfield, and that makes his matchup a key assignment for the Devils.