The Tasmania Devils will look to cap off an undefeated campaign in the NAB AFL National Development Championships – U16 Boys when they take on the Sydney Swans this Sunday. The Devils have enjoyed back-to-back wins over the Northern Territory and Brisbane, while Sydney have had one win from their opening two games.
Date: Sunday July 10
Time: 12:00 PM
Venue: Twin Ovals, Kingston
Broadcast: via Cluch TV
After a comfortable win over the NT, the Devils were just as impressive last weekend as they claimed a 19-point win over the Brisbane Lions. It was a strong defensive performance from Tasmania, as they kept Brisbane to just five goals across the game and three quarters of one goal or less. That followed on from their opening win against the NT, who could also only manage five goals. If they can restrict Sydney in a similar fashion, it would go long way towards a third straight win.
That stinginess in the back half has made life a lot easier for Tasmania’s forwards, who have been able to kick a winning score on both occasions. Led by Jaxon Thorpe (six goals) and Reiley Banks (five), the Devils have been able to regularly hit the scoreboard and build pressure on opposing defences.
Sydney suffered a big loss in their opening game of the championships, falling to cross-town rivals GWS by 67 points. After bouncing back with a win over the Northern Territory last week, they will be hoping to end their championships on a high note. Where Tasmania were able to handily beat the NT by 56 points, the Swans had a tougher time, allowing the Thunder to stay close before ultimately winning by 17.
Team news
U16 BOYS TEAM 🔒
Our Devils will be aiming for a clean sweep this Sunday in the 2022 NAB AFL National Development Championships – U16 Boys, when they take on the Sydney Swans.
🗓 10 July 2022
⏰ 12:00pm
📍 Twin Ovals, Kingston
📱Live stream via @CluchTV #TheDevilYouKnow pic.twitter.com/LUjQ7ZkE07— Tasmania Devils (@TasmaniaDevils_) July 8, 2022
The Devils have made five changes to their side from last week’s win over Brisbane, with winger Jake Nash returning for his second game of the championships. He will be joined by four debutants – ruck Oliver Dean, small forward Daniel Cooney, outside runner Arlie Giles and tall utility Nelson Cruse.
Bailey Woolcock, Dom Pitt, Mason Elphinstone, Tate Carter-Roach and Ky Robotham are the players to make way.
Key players
Tasmania Devils
Oliver Dean
Tasmania will shuffle the deck in the middle for this game, with Dean set to take the responsibility as the number one ruck. At 195cm tall, he is an exciting prospect and will have the chance to show off his tapwork around the stoppages and his versatility around the ground. With fellow tall Max Mapley able to chop out in the ruck, this is a perfect opportunity for Dean to announce himself on the national stage.
Nelson Cruse
Fellow debutant Cruse will bring flexibility to the Devils lineup, with his ability to play at both ends of the ground valuable. He has been named at centre half back and will start in defence, but he is an extra option for coach Jamie Hayward to swing forward if needed. After impressing for Ulverstone so far this season, it is an exciting opportunity for Cruse to take the next step.
Sydney Swans
Mitchell Woods
Woods was prolific in Sydney’s win over the Northern Territory, racking up 31 disposals while dominating around the stoppages. He had 20 contested possessions, almost double the tally of the next best player, and his six clearances were also a game high. Getting first use of the football will be crucial here, so the Devils will need to be aware of his ability to win the ball at the coalface.
Jack Roberts
Roberts was the best player on the ground early in the win against the Thunder, booting two first-quarter goals to break the game wide open. Both came as a result of hard leads at the kicker and strong marks overhead, something the Devils backline will need to be wary of. He finished the day with four majors, and while he stands at 184cm he is able to present like a key forward and finish well.