Photo: Solstice Digital
The Tasmania Devils have moved into top spot on the Coates Talent League Boys ladder with a 110-point win over the GWS Giants Academy. It was another dominant display from the Devils as they led from start to finish to claim their third straight win, and their second in a row by 100-plus points.
TASMANIA DEVILS: 3.3 9.5 17.8 21.13 (139)
GWS GIANTS: 0.3 2.4 2.4 4.5 (29)
GOALS: Will Groom 5, Liam Ling 3, Jack Callinan 3, Colby McKercher 2, Lenny Douglas 2, Jack Dolliver 2, Heath Ollington 2, Tommy Bennett, Beau Nash
BEST: Liam Ling, Lenny Douglas, Will Groom, Colby Mckercher, Oliver Dean, Geordie Payne
Tasmania took the lead after just one minute of play, and they would never relinquish it from that point on while continuing to accelerate away. The game was still up for grabs at quarter time despite a goalless opening term from the Giants, but the Devils exploded through the middle portion of the game to remove any doubt about the result. They piled on six goals in the second quarter and eight in the third, and with their defensive unit smothering the opposition forwards they were able to quickly build an unassailable advantage.
Goalkicking depth a strength
The Devils have enjoyed some big bags of goals early in the season, and Will Groom was the latest player to cash in. He booted five goals from 11 disposals against the Giants, continuing on well after kicking three majors against the Northern Territory last round. He was far from a lone hand, though, with nine individual goalkickers in this week’s game and 11 against the Thunder. Even with the continued improvement of Groom and the star power of Jack Callinan, the Devils are at no risk of becoming a one-man band in attack.
Midfield bulls dominate
As has been the case for much of the season, Tasmania’s midfield proved to be hard to stop in Saturday’s win. They won the clearance count 37-27 against the Giants, and those wins at the contest were converted into a whopping 58 inside 50s and 34 scoring shots. Captain Tom Beaumont led from the front once again, racking up 29 disposals and 12 inside 50s, while AFL Academy member Colby McKercher (31 disposals, seven clearances) and Beau Nash (25 disposals, ten clearances) were also prolific at the stoppages. Their work around the contests helped the likes of Liam Ling (18 disposals, three goals) and Oliver Depaoli-Kubank (24 disposals) to spread on the outside and move forward with intent. It was an outstanding all-around performance from Tasmania’s midfield group that powered another big win.
Defence stands tall
By the numbers, the Devils have been one of the league’s best defensive teams this year. Allowing just 57 points per game across the season, they have conceded just ten goals over the past two weeks combined. Against the Giants, Geordie Payne led the way in the backline and gave nothing away to be named in the side’s best, while newcomer James Leake has been a standout through the early rounds. A cohesive defensive unit is crucial to any team’s success, and Tasmania’s backline certainly seems to be working well.