The Tasmania Devils will look to make it two wins from two games in the NAB AFL National Development Championships – U16 Boys when they take on the Brisbane Lions at Metricon Stadium.
Date: Monday July 4
Time: 12:00 PM
Venue: Metricon Stadium
Broadcast: via Cluch TV
The Devils were outstanding in their opening game of the championships, leading from start to finish against the Northern Territory and claiming a 55-point win. It was hard to find a fault in the performance, with players across all three lines stepping up and delivering to give them the perfect start. Despite narrowly losing the clearance count, Tasmania were able to constantly win the ball back and had twice as many inside 50s as the NT across the game. If they can replicate that high volume of service into their attacking area, it would go a long way towards another win.
Brisbane were also winners in the opening round of the championships, as they narrowly snuck past the Gold Coast Suns to win by nine points. The two sides were evenly matched throughout, but the Lions were able to time their run and end the game with their noses in front.
Team news
https://twitter.com/TasmaniaDevils_/status/1542417692614791169
There are three changes to Tasmania’s lineup from last week’s win, with NAB League squad member Cohan Jeffrey headlining the inclusions and slotting into the Devils backline. Fellow defender Tate Carter-Roach and inside midfielder Dominic Pitt also come into the side, with Jake Nash, Deagan Madden and Zane Slatter making way.
Key players
Tasmania Devils
Oliver DePaoli Kubank
DePaoli Kubank was immense in the win over the Northern Territory, particularly in the first half when the Devils built their decisive lead. He racked up 22 disposals and kicked two goals across the opening two quarters, and if he can replicate that kind of effort again it could well lead the Devils to their second straight victory.
Jaxon Thorpe
Despite lacking the height of most key forwards, Thorpe has emerged as a dangerous target inside 50 for the Devils, with strong hands in the air and plenty of tricks at ground level. He booted three goals from five scoring shots against the NT, and he will be a handful for Brisbane’s defence here.
Brisbane Lions
Jake Fazldeen
Fazldeen was Brisbane’s most dangerous player in front of goal against the Suns, finishing with two goals and two behinds in the win. That type of impact on the scoreboard is an added bonus on top of his ball-winning ability, as he also racked up 18 disposals and two clearances to show off his overall skillset.
Billy Richardson
Richardson dominated in the ruck in Brisbane’s win over the Gold Coast, finishing with a game-high 25 hit outs along with 14 disposals and eight marks. He will face off with Tasmania’s twin towers in Mason Elphinstone and Max Mapley in what should be one of the most entertaining matchups in this clash.