Three Devils hope to be ‘Marvellous’ against the Kiwis

They are too young to be drafted this year but Tassie trio Sam Collins, Jackson Callow and Oliver Davis have their chance to make a lasting impression when they play in a Trans-Tasman clash with New Zealand.

Tasmanian Devils Sam Collins (left) and Ollie Davis have been selected to represent Australia in the All Australian team against New Zealand. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

THEY are too young to be drafted this year but Tassie trio Sam Collins, Jackson Callow and Oliver Davis have their chance to make a lasting impression when they play for the Australian under-17 team in a Trans-Tasman clash with New Zealand at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.

The talented threesome, all Tasmania Devils, were named in the All-Australian under-16 team last year after the state won Division 2 at the national carnival.

They head to Melbourne today for a three day lead-up with coach Luke Power.

It means they will miss the Devils’ NAB League match against the Western Jets as a curtain-raiser to the Hawthorn-Carlton AFL game at UTas Stadium on Sunday.

For 16-year-old Davis, of Clarence, he will use the Melbourne match to gauge his progress against the best players in his age bracket ahead of next year’s draft.

“I’m looking forward to the match and the competition, but mostly to see what I’m up against _ the teammates I play with to see what they’re like and their attributes and skills,” Davis said.

“I’m hoping they will play me through the midfield.”

They have come to terms with missing the Devils game.

“We would have liked to play but I guess it’s OK to miss one game to have this opportunity,” Davis said.

“I’m pretty grateful to be playing at this level with these people.

“It’s a good opportunity to see where I’m at and to get better and improve my game.”