Photo: Solstice Digital
The Tasmania Devils will look to continue their winning form in the NAB League Boys this Sunday when they take on the Calder Cannons at Kingston’s Twin Ovals. After claiming a huge win last round and lifting themselves into the top two, the Devils will now look to consolidate their finals spot against the Cannons in their last rostered home game of the season.
Date: Sunday July 31
Time: 1:00 PM
Venue: Twin Ovals, Kingston
Broadcast: via The Mercury/Herald Sun
Please note that this game will ONLY be streamed via The Mercury/Herald Sun websites, and NOT on the NAB League App as previously communicated.
The Devils were outstanding last Sunday, beating the previously undefeated Gippsland Power at North Hobart Oval. With their Allies representatives back in the fold, they held the Power goalless in the first quarter and to just one goal in the last to set up the victory. It was Tasmania’s fourth win in their last five games, and they improved their record across the season to 8-3. On the flipside, Calder sit tenth on the ladder after a difficult run, with a four-game losing streak dropping them to 3-10.
The Devils leaned on their defence last round, but they should have no shortage of attacking opportunities in this matchup. They currently rank second in the NAB League for inside 50s, averaging 49 per game, while the Cannons have just 39 per game to rank 12th. If that discrepancy plays out again here, it will be difficult for the visitors to hold off a Devils forward line that has plenty of weapons.
Last time they met
Tasmania and Calder played out a thriller in round three of the 2021 season, with the Cannons holding off a late push to win by a single point. The bulk of Tasmania’s most prolific players that day are no longer with the program, although current Devil Will Splann (14 disposals, five marks) was impressive in attack.
Team news
ROUND 14 TEAM 🔒
One change to our triumphant team of last weekend, with Clarence young-gun, Josh Curtis coming into the side to make his debut.
🗓 31 July 2022
⏰ 1:00pm
📍 Twin Ovals, Kingston
📱Live stream via the @themercurycomau or the @NABLeague app#TheDevilYouKnow pic.twitter.com/04MbT0M9y4— Tasmania Devils (@TasmaniaDevils_) July 28, 2022
There is just one change from last week’s winning Devils side, with Beau Nash (Devonport) making way and Josh Curtis (Clarence) coming in for his NAB League debut. After spending the early season sidelined through injury, Curtis has earned selection with strong form in the TSL Development League. He will add a new element to Tasmania’s side, with the ability to play on the half forward line or higher up the ground on the wing.
Key players
Tasmania Devils
Brandon Leary
The numbers suggest that Tasmania will have plenty of service inside 50, and that could lead to a big game for Leary. Already the leading goalkicker in the NAB League Boys with 26 goals in ten games, he has kicked multiple goals in eight of those outings. If the Devils can grab the ascendancy around the stoppages, then Leary is the perfect players to capitalise in the forward line, and he could further extend his lead on the goalkicking charts.
Will Clifford
Clifford was named as Tasmania’s best player last week after an assured performance in defence, and he looks set to take his game to another level. Used primarily as a small defender so far this season, he has the speed and skills by foot to be an asset further up the ground. It remains to be seen how he will be used against the Cannons, but Clifford certainly has plenty of potential in his game.
Calder Cannons
Luca Alessio
After conceding 85+ points six times already this season, the Cannons will need to improve defensively against a potent Devils forward line. If that is to happen, then Alessio will need to play a big role. He is not always a prolific player, averaging nine disposals per game, he is a strong player in the air that is capable of reeling in intercept marks. That aerial ability will be key in disrupting the flow of the Devils if they get on top in the midfield.
Matthew Foley
Despite his team’s struggles, Foley has been in impressive individual form. Playing across the half-back line, he racked up 28 disposals in Calder’s most recent game and 27 touches the week prior. After spending time forward early in the season, kicking six goals in his first four games, Foley seems to have found his niche in the defensive half of the ground. His drive out of defence will be important if the Cannons hope to nullify the attacking threat of the Devils.