Photo: Solstice Digital
The Tasmania Devils will chase their third consecutive win when they face the Oakleigh Chargers in round seven of the NAB League Boys.
Date: Sunday 22 May
Time: 2:30 PM
Venue: Trevor Barker Beach Oval, Sandringham
Broadcast: via NAB League app
The Devils improved their season record to 4-1 with a 29-point win over the Western Jets last round. That game ebbed and flowed with a strong wind blowing to one end of Windsor Park, and the hosts were able to time their runs and build a decisive lead. Conditions should be more neutral at Trevor Barker Oval, and the Devils will need a strong four-quarter performance.
All of Tasmania’s best moments have started in the midfield, where they were able to win the ball and drive it forward countless times against the Jets. They dominated the inside 50 count 50-28 in that game, with an even bigger differentials against the NT Thunder the week prior (+32). Tasmania’s stars in the midfield have been on fire in recent weeks, with Colby McKercher (20.4 disposals per game) and Liam Jones (22.8 disposals per game) consistently among the best players.
Saturday’s clash will be a huge test against an Oakleigh Chargers side that is yet to lose in the NAB League this season. With an average winning margin of almost 30 points, they have been one of the most impressive teams in the competition. This will be a new challenge against the Devils, though, as they are yet to play a team that currently sits in the top five on the ladder.
Team news
ROUND 7 TEAM 🔒
A big challenge awaits our @NABLeague Boys this Sunday as they cross Bass Strait to take on the undefeated Oakleigh Chargers.
🗓 22 May 2022
⏰ 2:30pm
📍 Trevor Barker Beach Oval
📱Live stream via the NAB League App#TheDevilYouKnow #NABLeagueBoys pic.twitter.com/y3fqqG2dGi— Tasmania Devils (@TasmaniaDevils_) May 19, 2022
There is one change to Tasmania’s lineup from the win over the Jets, with co-captain Lachie Cowan absent on AFL Academy duties. Luke Nicholson was a late withdrawal last round, and he returns this week in Cowan’s place.
A late change meant that the debut of Liam Howard flew under the radar, as he came into the team as a last-minute inclusion. He holds his place here after an impressive debut.
Key players
Tasmania Devils
Jack Callinan
Callinan provided a much-needed spark in attack in last week’s win, kicking a team-high three goals from nine disposals. He now has nine majors in five NAB League appearances, kicking multiple goals in all but one of those games. Playing in tandem with fellow forwards Will Splann and Brandon Leary, Callinan is the perfect foil and should threaten once again against the Chargers.
Tom McCallum
Even in challenging conditions last week, McCallum continued to dominate in the air. He collected 18 disposals and a game-high eight marks, cutting off supply to the Jets’ forward and giving the Devils plenty of momentum from the half-back line. That will be crucial again here with a talented Chargers midfield ahead of him and some dangerous forwards behind.
Oakleigh Chargers
Ingo Dammersmith
An overage player in 2022, Dammersmith has burst onto the scene with some impressive NAB League performances. After playing six games for the Chargers last year and not kicking a goal, he has ten goals this season including a bag of five in their most recent win over the Calder Cannons. That goalkicking form alone makes him a huge threat for the Devils to track.
Angus Curry
He came into the season with just two games of NAB League experience, but Curry has brough plenty of heat to the contest in two appearances this year. He is averaging 7.5 tackles per game, along with 15.5 disposals and three inside 50s. His defensive work will be crucial against a red-hot Devils midfield.