The Devils split the points once again in Saturday’s Coates Talent League double-header, with the girls and boys sides both taking on the Eastern Ranges. The girls fought hard but ultimately fell short at UTAS Stadium, before the boys exacted some revenge and claimed an impressive win to improve their record to 2-1.
Coates Talent League Girls
TASMANIA DEVILS: 1.1 1.2 3.2 3.2 (20)
EASTERN RANGES: 2.6 6.10 11.11 13.17 (95)
GOALS: Maggie Chen, Jasmyn Thompson, Grace White
BEST: Eva Downie, Meg Harrison, Mackenzie Ford, Heidi Preshaw, Candice Belbin, Lily Nast
The Devils were under the pump from the opening bounce, but they battled hard in defence to keep the game close and found an early response through Grace White. Eastern were able to accelerate away from there, though, keeping Tasmania goalless in the second term while piling on four majors of their own. A two-goal third quarter gave Tasmania plenty of positives, but the Ranges were impressive throughout and built commanding lead by the final siren.
Effort on display
While the Devils struggled to win the football against a talented opponent, they continued to fight hard right to the dying moments. They laid a whopping 70 tackles across the contest, with Madi Lamb, Candice Belbin and Mackenzie Ford leading the way with eight apiece. If there was one positive to take away from a difficult result, it would be that continued effort at the contests even in the face of adversity.
Eyes ahead to Sydney
The Devils girls will now enjoy a month-long break before returning to action, with their next game against the Sydney Swans Academy on Saturday May 20. The Swans have enjoyed a successful start to their 2023 campaign, impressing with wins over Dandenong and Murray. That sets the clash in Blacktown as a huge one for Tasmania, who still sit fourth on the ladder despite Saturday’s loss.
Coates Talent League Boys
TASMANIA DEVILS: 2.6 4.10 8.12 11.15 (81)
EASTERN RANGES: 4.1 6.5 7.6 9.8 (62)
GOALS: Jack Dolliver 3, Heath Ollington 2, Thomas Beaumont, Tommy Bennett, Harry Summers, James Leake, Liam Ling, Connor McGee
BEST: James Leake, Harry Summers, Liam Ling, Jack Dolliver, Geordie Payne, Heath Ollington
It wasn’t all smooth sailing for Tasmania’s boys side, as some wayward finishing in front of goal saw them trailing early in the contest. They converted two less goals from three more scoring shots in the first half, leaving the door open for the Ranges to stay in the game. Any concerns were swiftly dealt with in an impressive second half, though, as the Devils surged ahead in the third term and never looked back from there.
Midfield grit shines through
Based on numbers alone, it would be easy to assume that the Devils were handily beaten in the midfield. The Ranges won the hit out count 44-8 and the clearances 34-25, and yet Tasmania were still able to break even in inside 50s and generate nine more scoring shots. The Devils midfield did a fantastic job of winning their way out of the middle third, even when they didn’t get the first touch on the ball, with the likes of Thomas Beaumont (29 disposals, 15 contested), Beau Nash (27 disposals, five tackles) and Liam Ling (24 disposals, seven inside 50s) all winning the ball and moving it forward with purpose.
Defence locks it down
Eastern managed just three goals after half time, with Tasmania’s defence shutting them down completely to set up a game-winning run. With 45 inside 50s against resulting in just 17 scoring shots and nine goals, it was a stellar display from the entire Devils backline. James Leake (16 disposals, one goal) and Oscar Van Dam (15 disposals, five rebound 50s) were outstanding throughout, leading a strong effort from top to bottom.