NAB League live stream: Allies go to war as Tasmania Devils face the NT Thunder
Tasmania Devils flashed their considerable talent as NT Thunder found the pace too hot in a one-sided NAB League clash. Re-live all of the action HERE.
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Tasmania Devils flexed their considerable muscle to destroy the hopes of NT Thunder in a one-sided NAB League clash.
The scores were actually locked at 12-12 early in the first quarter before the Devils went on a scoring spree, kicking 120 out of the next 125 points to win 132-17.
The Devils led 50-15 at the break and quickly established control in the second half, piling on a further 82 points.
WATCH THE REPLAY IN THE VIDEO PLAYER ABOVE
It was their third win from four games and keeps them on pace with the leaders.
For the Thunder, it was a steep learning curve and they have now lost all three of their games so far this season.
Devils v Thunder preview
In the past they have been two states that have banded together to face their sizeable rivals, but this weekend there will be no love lost between ‘the Allies’.
The battle lines have been drawn for a fierce clash between Tasmania Devils and NT Thunder, as each state’s best rising talents aim to take the NAB League by storm.
The two emerging sides, who will each have the pride of a state riding every kick, will meet at Highgate Reserve in Victoria with the clash exclusively live streamed by News Corp.
It will be the Thunder’s third and final game of their 2022 NAB League experience.
Coach Brent Renouf, a 2008 AFL premiership player with Hawthorn, said it had been a “terrific experience” for his players after he took on the job in February.
“It’s given our group the exposure to the standards they need to get to in order to play at a higher level,” he said.
“We’ve tested ourselves against some high quality opposition which has been outstanding. There are other guys we probably haven’t seen as much including the Davey twins, Alwyn Jnr and Jayden, because they’re boarding in Melbourne and part of the Oakleigh Chargers.
“But those opportunities are ones we encourage our players to take.
“It’s exciting because there are some high end talents coming out of NT footy.”
Meanwhile, Tasmania head coach Jeromey Webberley said he was pleased with his side’s 2-1 record despite a significant “learning curve” during a big loss to the Sandringham Dragons last week.
“We’ve been impressed with how our boys have stepped up to the challenge,” he said.
“We learnt last week that if you’re off against a classy outfit they will punish you. After the last few years the program has been seriously interrupted, we only had one game last season.
“Our time in the NAB League means there are more chances for our young guys to impress.”
Here are seven of the top players to watch this weekend.
SETH CAMPBELL
Tasmania Devils
A small forward who is able to spend time in the midfield, Campbell has excelled for the Devils so far in 2022. He has kicked five goals and averaged 18 disposals across three matches. He is one of the youngest players in this year’s possible AFL Draft class.
LACHLAN COWAN
Tasmania Devils
Predominantly used down back, Cowan showed in last week’s loss to the Sandringham Dragons that he can also cut it as an inside midfielder. The 17-year-old, who is eligible to be drafted this year, has averaged 27 disposals across his side’s opening three games. He is considered to be a real leader down back.
ANTONIO JAMES
NT Thunder
James has won plenty of plaudits as an overeager this year for his wonderful work ethic. Despite playing as a defender at club level, Renouf has encouraged to play more midfield minutes in Thunder colours. Renouf said his hardness at the footy can sometimes be “scary” and “uncompromising”. He also has wonderful skills.
LLOYD JOHNSTON
NT Thunder
Johnston has been described by his coach as a “joy to watch” and “smooth mover” in the lead up to the game after two impressive games against the Murray Bushrangers and Geelong Falcons. He is a balanced defender who loves to get out and use his pace. He also has an outstanding ability to read the game. He is draft eligible this year.
TOM MCCALLUM
Tasmania Devils
A move to defence has done wonders for the draft eligible McCallum to start the season. In the game against the Northern Knights, he looked a class above in wet and wild conditions. He does not need much of the ball to have a big impact on matches.
WILL SPLANN
Tasmania Devils
An over-age prospect, Splann is showing his true potential as a key forward to start the season. He has kicked multiple games in all three games and could quite have easily had more if it wasn’t for some inaccuracy in front of the big sticks.
STANLEY WAISTCOAT
NT Thunder
Hailing from the remote community of Tenant Creek, Waistcoat is only actively involved in the Thunder on game day. He kicked two goals in his last outing against the Falcons. He is a forward with freakish skills and loves nothing more than to tackle opposition defenders. Waistcoat has also spent time in the middle of the ground this year.
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