Tasmania mauled by SANFL club Norwood as Devils take first step toward a VFL team in 2026

Tasmania coach Jeromey Webberley has declared Sunday’s huge loss to Norwood was the reality check his side needed to have. See his reaction.

Tasmania's Riley Ashlin tries to corral his Norwood opponent. Picture: Solstice Digital

It was a baptism of fire for the “baby” Devils at the Twin Ovals on Sunday as SANFL powerhouse Norwood dropped an 11-goal reality check on the Tasmanians in their first step toward building a VFL team for 2026.

The pre-season contest was the first time Tasmania’s academy team, containing 15 senior debutants in the “Map”, had come together for a game and they walked away knowing their best is not good enough at this early stage of the build.

Norwood’s speed, fitness, pressure and execution was the lesson the local lads had to have.

Tasmania captain Brad Cox-Goodyer chases his Norwood opponent. Picture: Solstice Digital

Coach Jeromey Webberley had warned them, and Norwood proved him right.

“It’s the level we need to get to,” Webberley said.

“That tier two competition level is just far superior to the level of what some of our players have been playing.”

The Devils’ mistakes were borne of intense pressure from the Red Legs, who took full toll on the Tassie turnovers.

“We spoke to the players post-game about the small mistakes you can get away with at the level they are currently playing, but you don’t get away with those here,” Webberley said.

“That was really evident today.

“Early in the game when it was hot, we fumbled and bumbled under that pressure.

“We cough up the ball, got caught too many times, it cost is territory and we did get the ball back we weren’t able to shift the ball well enough off the line and execute skills.

Tasmania's Sam Siggins battles for the ball with his Norwood opponents. Picture: Solstice Digital

“It was a really good indicator of difference between how a tier two competition team train and play at compare to the level we have been playing at over the past couple of years.

“This program is about providing these guys about those experiences to educate them to understand the level we all need to get to.”

Norwood kicked the first three goals of the game and that put the writing on the wall.

The Red Legs’ Tasmanian full-forward Jackson Callow kicked three goals and fellow-Tasmanian Connor Ling kicked two from the midfield.

Norwood’s new coach Jade Sheedy thought Tasmania was on track.

“There are some seriously exciting things happening in Tassie and games like this are going to be great for the state and what you are trying to do,” he said.

“This deck is fantastic it’s great to see people come and support the game and keep growing the game in this state, it’s brilliant.”

Originally published as Tasmania mauled by SANFL club Norwood as Devils take first step toward a VFL team in 2026