Tasmania Devils girls almost inflict Chargers’ first NAB League loss in two years

Their last meeting was a 102-point thumping, but the Tasmania Devils girls have put in an astonishing performance that is sure to make the rest of the NAB League sit up and take notice.

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A COURAGEOUS Tasmania Devils outfit fell agonisingly short of victory against the powerful Oakleigh Chargers at the Twins Ovals on Saturday.

The Melbourne NAB League team had been undefeated over the past two seasons.

Despite keeping the Chargers scoreless in a gripping final term, the home team could not find the goals it needed to bridge the gap, with Oakleigh taking a thriller 5.6 (36) to 4.6 (30).

The Tasmanian girls ran hard, tackled hard and pressed hard in a performance that showed they were on the way up this season.

Devils coach Cameron Joyce was proud of his girls.

“They were unbelievable,” Joyce said.

“Their pressure and effort were fantastic.

“The Oakleigh Chargers haven’t lost a game for two years and they beat us 104-2 in the corresponding game last year.

“To be in the game with seconds to go shows how far the girls have come.”

Devils debutant Maisie Edwards, who kicked one of the team’s four goals, looks to hand off the ball before her Oakleigh opponent can lay a tackle. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Tasmania led at half-time but could not find a goal in the second half while the Chargers kicked two – enough to edge ahead and stay there.

“There are so many positives, both individually and the way we played as a team, that are going to hold them in good stead for the rest of the year,” Joyce said.

“In the third and fourth quarters, we gave ourselves enough opportunities.

“In the end, the difference was they were a little bit more polished when they needed to be just to get over the line.”

Tasmanian midfielder Perri King was outstanding back, forward and in the middle, winning the contested ball and gaining territory with her speed.

An AFL Academy player, King went head to head with Chargers academy player Charlie Rowbottom and won that contest.

Onballer Ella Maurer and winger Meghan Gaffney were valuable ball-movers, while 15-year-old Georgia Clarke kicked half of Tasmania’s goals, Maisie Edwards kicked a goal on debut, and Chelsea Thomas and Brianna Oates were steadfast in defense.

Tasmania’s next game is against Bendigo Pioneers in Bendigo.

Devils defenders ready to lead the charge

MEET devilish defenders, gun runners and potential future AFLW players – Tasmania Devils Chelsea Thomas and Brianna Oates.

They are part of a Devils defence that has conceded only nine points this season.

Granted they have played only one game due to COVID-19 border restrictions – a 10-goal belting of Gippsland Power that announced the Tasmanian elite under-18s as the real deal in 2021.

Chelsea, 17, and Brianna, 18, were part of the Devils’ debut in the NAB League last year when they received a 102-point lesson from the Oakleigh Chargers.

It was a 164-point turnaround from that performance to the season opener this year.

“We are competitive this year and it was good to finally win a game and sing the song,” Brianna said.

Devils defenders Brianna Oates and Chelsea Thomas. Picture: Chris Kidd

After the round one triumph, Tasmania’s games against the Western Jets and Eastern Ranges were postponed until later in the season.

But that delay has not dampened the team’s mood.

“The feeling in the team is still good,” Brianna said.

“We’ve had a couple of practice matches so we’ve been able to keep the momentum through those games.

“We are really looking forward to this weekend, especially being on a Tassie ground.”

Tasmania play the Oakleigh Chargers in a round four contest at the Twin Ovals at 12.30pm on Saturday.

It is a big assignment, given last year’s loss to the Chargers, who have been unbeaten over the past two years.

“If we can stick to our game plan and work as a team we will be able to be competitive against them,” Chelsea said.

“I’m looking forward to playing our first at home this year and all the girls are excited, so it’s a good opportunity to show the state what we’ve got.”