It was a mixed bag for the Devils in their first road trip of the Coates Talent League season, as they split the points in a double-header against Bendigo. The Devils girls continued their perfect start to season, enjoying their third win from as many games, while the boys ultimately fell short against a strong Pioneers outfit.
Coates Talent League Girls
TASMANIA DEVILS: 1.4 4.9 4.10 7.15 (57)
BENDIGO PIONEERS: 1.0 1.1 2.1 4.1 (25)
GOALS: Ava Read 3, Grace White 3, Georgia Clark
BEST: Candice Belbin, Grace White, Heidi Preshaw, Lucy Thompson, Meg Harrison, Madi Lamb
Tasmania dominated the play from the first bounce in the first game of the day, but they struggled to convert on the scoreboard for long stretches. Just one goal in the first term left the door open for the Pioneers, but the Devils then piled on three majors to none in the second term to race away. It was a similar story in the second half, where a goalless quarter for Tasmania gave Bendigo hope before another strong surge in the final term made sure of the result. The win moved the Devils to the top of the Coates Talent League Girls ladder, continuing an impressive start under new head coach Jodie Clifford.
Midfield shines once again
AFLW Academy member Brooke Barwick’s long-term injury was a blow ahead of the season, and the Devils were this week without budding midfield star Priya Bowering as she represents the state at the Under-16 National Championships. Despite that, the Devils once again controlled the midfield battle, winning the clearance count against the Pioneers thanks to a balanced effort. Captain Candice Belbin led from the front once again, setting game-highs across the board with 21 disposals, 16 contested possessions and 13 tackles. She was well supported throughout, with Madi Lamb (18 disposals, five clearances, eight tackles), Mackenzie Ford (16 disposals, three clearances) and Lucy Thompson (14 disposals, three clearances) among the standouts. Throw in five different players with at least one hit out, and it was a remarkable team effort at the stoppages.
Forward depth continues to grow
It would have been easy to assume ahead of the season that AFLW Academy member Georgia Clark and 2022 leading goalkicker Bellah Parker would shoulder the majority of the load in attack once again. While both have enjoyed strong starts to the year, they have had plenty of support from a deep cast of attacking threats. Against the Pioneers, it was Ava Read that led the way, with the 16-year-old booting three goals from 11 disposals in an impressive display. That effort was matched by Grace White, who kicked her second three-goal haul of the season to move to the top of Tasmania’s goalkicking this season. With so many options in attack, the Devils will be a tough team for opposing defences to stop.
Coates Talent League Boys
TASMANIA DEVILS: 2.5 3.6 5.10 8.11 (59)
BENDIGO PIONEERS: 1.4 8.8 11.11 14.13 (97)
GOALS: Tom Beaumont 3, Heath Ollington, Jack Callinan, Lenny Douglas, Fletcher Richards
BEST: James Leake, Jack Callinan, Marty Brereton, Geordie Payne, Lenny Douglas, Fletcher Richards
A narrow quarter-time lead gave the Devils boys plenty of hope early in the contest, but a seven-goal second term from the Pioneers quickly put them on the back foot. Tasmania were able to steady from there and just about broke even on the scoreboard in the second half, but by then the damage had already been done. While they continued to fight hard and show good endeavour, they were unable to peg back the lead before the final siren.
Skipper shows his versatility
After posting some eye-watering numbers in the midfield in Tasmania’s first game, Tom Beaumont spent a lot of the gameforward against Bendigo and found plenty of success there. He had a game-high six scoring shots, finishing the game with three goals from 16 disposals while also winning six clearances at the stoppages. Beaumont has always been a bull in the midfield, but the forward craft on display against the Pioneers was a new side to his game that could take him to another level this season.
Defensive pillar shines under pressure
Playing just his second game in the Coates Talent League, James Leake was named Tasmania’s best on the day after impressing mightily in defence. He finished the game with 23 disposals, five marks and six tackles, standing up well defensively under pressure and giving the Devils plenty of drive out of the backline when in possession. It should be no surprise to see Leake excelling – after all, he did win a senior TSL premiership with Launceston last season – but he has certainly been one of the stars of the season to date.