Photo: Solstice Digital
It was a historic outing for the Devils in Saturday’s lone Coates Talent League Boys fixture, with a 136-point win over the Northern Territory Thunder setting several new program records. Tasmania scored their highest ever score en route to their biggest ever win, putting together an impressive performance in every part of the ground.
TASMANIA DEVILS: 6.3 13.7 20.13 27.14 (176)
NT THUNDER: 1.1 3.1 4.3 6.4 (28)
GOALS: Jack Callinan 7, Jack Dolliver 4, Heath Ollington 4, Will Groom 3, Liam Ling 2, Lenny Douglas 2, Tommy Bennett, Thomas Beaumont, Harry Elmer, James Leake, Geordie Payne
BEST: Jack Callinan, Colby McKercher, James Leake, Oliver Depaoli-Kubank, Mitchell Nicholas, Geordie Payne
The Devils were switched on from the opening bounce, piling on the first six goals of the game to build a commanding lead early. The Thunder were able to steady slightly with back-to-back goals on either side of quarter time, but that resurgence was short-lived as Tasmania booted 12 of the next 13 goals to strangle any life out of the contest. They never took their foot off the accelerator, pushing hard up until the final siren and making a huge statement to the rest of the competition.
Callinan shows his class
AFL Academy member Jack Callinan gave the Devils the perfect start on Saturday, kicking the game’s first three goals from the same forward pocket to set the tone early. He continued to star from there, finishing with a career-high seven goals from 17 disposals. Callinan has always had a nose for the goals, and that was on full display against the Thunder as he kicked no behinds with those majors. He now sits fourth in the competition with 11 goals for the season, further pressing his claims as one of the best forwards in the country.
Leake’s versatility on display
James Leake has been one of Tasmania’s stars early in the season, featuring in their best players in each of their first four games including Saturday’s big win. He was immense in his usual defensive post early in the contest, and equally impressive when given some run in the midfield during the second half. Finishing with 19 disposals, three rebound 50s and a goal, his impact has far surpassed his numbers so far this season.
Devils boys perfectly poised
The win over the Thunder moved Tasmania’s record to 3-1 this season, and they now sit in fifth place on the Coates Talent League Boys ladder. That is an impressive start, and they will have the chance to build on it with upcoming games against the GWS Giants Academy (0-4) and Sydney Swans Academy (1-2). There is still a lot of football to be played before the finals roll around, but the Devils have given themselves every chance to feature with their strong start.