The Tasmania Devils under-18 girls will return to action on Sunday when they take on the Northern Territory Thunder.
Date: Sunday May 15, 11:00 AM
Venue: North Sydney Oval
Broadcast: via YouTube
This will be the first hit-out for the Devils girls since their NAB League season concluded, although several players have featured in representative football for the Allies, NAB AFLW Academy and Under-23 All Stars. It was another solid season in NAB League competition, as they finished with a 4-5 record and claimed several impressive wins along the way.
The Thunder played one game as part of the NAB League, beating the Murray Bushrangers by two points. Given the Bushrangers finished just one spot below the Devils on the final ladder, this shapes as an intriguing clash. With three multiple goalkickers and an even spread of contributors on the ball, the Thunder have plenty of talent across the board and will be eager to impress once again.
Team news
WINTER SERIES TEAM đź”’
Our Devils Girls will run out one last time for this season when they take on the Northern Territory in their final Winter Series clash.
đź—“ 15 May 2022
⏰ 11:00am
đź“Ť North Sydney Oval
📱Live stream via link belowhttps://t.co/uB788YE8yW#TheDevilYouKnow pic.twitter.com/d0lWPBJCvn— Tasmania Devils (@TasmaniaDevils_) May 13, 2022
It will be a new-look Devils side that takes the field on Sunday, with five players making their debuts in the under-18 side. Taia Lette (Scottsdale), Mia Anderson (North Hobart), Harriet Bingley (East Launceston), Mackenzie Ford (Cygnet) and Ruby Hall (Scottsdale) will all make their first appearances.
Key players
Tasmania Devils
Jemma Blair
With a younger lineup and a raft of debutants named, Blair’s leadership will be more important than ever against the Thunder. The Devils captain was a rock in defence during the NAB League season, and she has since played two games in the VFLW with North Melbourne and held her own at the next level. With that senior experience now under her belt, expect Blair to lead from the front once again against a talented Thunder side.
Meghan Gaffney
It has been a busy last month for Gaffney, as she played for both the Allies and the Under-23 All Stars since the end of the NAB League season. She has been named in the middle of the ground to face the Thunder in a perfect opportunity to push her case ahead of the NAB AFLW Draft, with her speed and endurance making her a dangerous weapon on the ball. After averaging 14 disposals and 4.2 tackles per game in the NAB League, Gaffney could enhance her reputation even further in the Winter Series.
Northern Territory Thunder
Grace Whittaker
Whittaker was one of her side’s best in their win over Murray, kicking two goals and creating plenty more scoring chances. She also represented the Allies in the NAB AFLW U18 Championships, kicking a goal in a narrow loss to Western Australia.
Cassie McWilliams
Another Allies representative, McWilliams showed her versatility in the win over Murray. She played in the ruck and was the game’s leader in hit-outs, and she also racked up a team-high 18 disposals around the ground.