The Tasmania Devils will look to bounce back quickly this Saturday when they take on the Eastern Ranges in round eight of the NAB League Boys.
Date: Saturday 28 May
Time: 12:00 PM
Venue: UTAS Stadium, Launceston
Broadcast: via NAB League app
The Devils fell just short against the Oakleigh Chargers last round, with a late goal consigning them to a six-point loss. Tasmania’s midfield did plenty of heavy lifting, winning the clearance battle against a talented Chargers group, but they weren’t able to convert that often enough into efficient scoring. There were still some promising signs in attack, though, with Bryce Alomes (three goals) and Will Splann (two goals) both impressing in the air. The Devils have averaged a touch below 90 points per game in the NAB League this season, placing them among the competition leaders.
The Eastern Ranges claimed a huge win in round seven, beating the Sandringham Dragons by 24 points to improve their season record to 2-3. They did so by picking the Dragons apart with their disposal, continuing the trend of their season where they have controlled possession for long stretches of games. They rank third in the NAB League for both uncontested possessions and uncontested marks, areas where the Devils sit tenth and ninth respectively.
Last time they met
These sides met in round four of last season, and it was Tasmania that prevailed in a comfortable 27-point win. The Devils piled on eight goals to one in the first half, and while the Ranges mounted something of a comeback after the main break they weren’t able to claw their way back into the contest. Current Devils co-captain Lachie Cowan kicked an equal-game-high two goals from 12 disposals, while Mitchell Sruk led Eastern with 22 disposals.
Team news
ROUND 8 TEAM 🔒
Lachie Cowan returns this weekend, as our @NABLeague Boys will be looking to bounce back against the Eastern Ranges.
🗓 28 May 2022
⏰ 12:00pm
📍 UTAS Stadium, Launceston
📱Live stream via the NAB League App#TheDevilYouKnow #NABLeagueBoys pic.twitter.com/K2wfHOoDoF— Tasmania Devils (@TasmaniaDevils_) May 26, 2022
The Devils will be bolstered by a huge inclusion, with Lachie Cowan returning from AFL Academy duties and replacing Liam Howard. Cowan has been one of Tasmania’s most consistent players this season, averaging 27.2 disposals, 4.6 marks and 7.4 rebound 50s per game.
Key players
Tasmania Devils
Brandon Leary
Leary has provided a spark in attack for the Devils this season, booting 16 goals from six games to top Tasmania’s goalkicking. He was still dangerous against the Chargers and generated a game-high four scoring shots, but he struggled to convert and finished with one goal and three behinds. Against an Eastern Ranges side that allows just 70.6 points per game, a big performance from Leary would be a huge boost.
Bryce Alomes
Speaking of sparks in attack, Alomes was swung forward to great effect against the Chargers. After splitting time between the forward and backlines throughout the season, he stayed forward and kicked three goals in an impressive performance. Whichever end of the ground he lines up at this week, he will be a crucial player for the Devils.
Eastern Ranges
Lewis Hayes
Hayes was among his side’s best in their win over the Dragons, marshalling the defence and repelling countless attacks. He finished with 26 disposals and 11 marks, showing off his intercepting ability and tidy disposal coming out of the defensive 50. The Devils will need to be precise when entering their attacking zone and keep the ball out of his hands.
Mason Helleran
After three scoreless games to start the season, Helleran came alive against the Dragons. He finished with a game-high three goals from five scoring shots, giving the Ranges a much-needed spark to help them over the line. He also laid six tackles, with that two-way ability and work rate making him an important player.