Devils U18 girls prepare for first match as full-time competitors in NAB League

The state’s best under-18 female footballers will debut as full-time competitors in the NAB League with a curtain raiser to the AFLW blockbuster at North Hobart Oval on Saturday.

Tasmania Devils NAB League Girls match day coach Emma Humphries is excited for the team’s match against the Oakleigh Chargers this weekend. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

TASMANIA’S best under-18 female footballers are about to step into a baptism of fire when they embark on their first season as full-time participants in the NAB League girls competition.

And they will do so on the big stage as a curtain-raiser to Saturday’s AFLW clash between North Melbourne and Adelaide at North Hobart Oval.

After playing three invitational matches in 2019, the Devils have joined the league full-time and will begin their campaign against Oakleigh.

Emma Humphries is a leader among the Roos’ players across the Bass Strait. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

The transition is expected to be a steep learning curve, but AFL Tasmania female talent manager Leigh Elder is looking beyond the win-loss column, declaring regardless of results it will only fast-track development of the state’s best juniors.

“Four years ago we only had seven [female] teams [across the state], and all of a sudden we are entering the strongest underage competition in the country,” Elder said.

“It is exciting, but of course it is going to be challenging as well. The best way to develop is being challenged, and you can’t get challenged any more than being at the highest standard possible, and that’s what they are entering into.

“NAB League exposes you to everything — pace, skill and the ability to fight out a game. “Their development will be fast-tracked purely and simply by being in this competition, regardless of how they go on the scoreboard.”

The team will also have some AFLW experience in its camp, with North Melbourne and local star Emma Humphries the match day coach.

“It is a very exciting week, that excitement leading into a game and to play at the traditional home of footy, not to mention before an AFLW game, it is very exciting for the girls,” said Humphries who, pending selection for the Roos, may have to hand over coaching duties in the second half.

“For the girls we just want them to play their brand of footy, like we have been playing the whole pre-season.”