Jam-packed schedule confirmed for Devonport Triathlon

Tasmanian athletes and clubs are making their mark on the local, national and international stage. Keep up to date with which of our athletes are shining, as well as a strong schedule confirmed for March’s Devonport Triathlon.

Competitors prepare for the swim leg at the Devonport Triathlon. Picture: Delly Carr

Welcome to The Mercury’s Sport Shorts.

This is our new weekly column looking at some of the fantastic achievements from across the local region.

SPORTING STAR TAKES OVER AT UNIVERSITY

Tasmania University has turned to one of the most talented sportswomen in the state to lead its women’s football team in 2025.

Jenna Farrow has been confirmed as the new head coach in a role which will see her father, Ross, join the Rainbows as an assistant coach.

Farrow has enjoyed a dual sporting code career having played in the A-League Women’s competition and having also represented Tasmania in footy.

Her career was unfortunately ended early due to concussion.

“Jenna brings an incredible wealth of experience, having excelled across multiple sports throughout her career,” the club said in a statement on Facebook.

“While her promising AFLW journey was unfortunately cut short due to concussion, we’re proud to be the starting point for her coaching career.

“Supported by her father Ross, this marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our women’s program.

“Jenna is a born leader on and off the field, and we are so excited to have her expertise and vision guiding our women’s team.”

Jenna Farrow will coach University's women's team with her father, Ross, set to be the assistant.

Ross is a footy head himself, having over 15 years playing experience in the state’s northwest and coached across various levels.

The club said he is the “perfect partner to support Jenna”.

“We couldn’t be prouder to have this dynamic duo on board, and we’re looking forward to the year ahead under their leadership,” the club said.

University played finals footy in Division 2 of the Southern Football League women’s competition in 2025.

CAREY FRUSTRATED BY HER FORM

Tasmanian Tigers star Nicola Carey says she’s pleased to have found some form with the bat after a “lean season” so far.

Carey crafted a brilliant century against the Queensland Fire in their WNCL clash on Tuesday but it wasn’t enough to get her side across the line as the Tigers went down by 14 runs.

Before her innings, Carey’s best score since December was 24 against NSW while she hit an unbeaten half-century for the Hobart Hurricanes in the WBBL in November.

“I didn’t feel that good to be honest,” Carey said of her innings.

“It’s been a pretty lean season for me personally so it’s nice to contribute. But I would have loved a W (win) at the end of that.

“It’s one of those things, one minute it’s really hard and the next I’m going along really nicely here.

“It’s a bit of a rollercoaster but that’s why we love it. It’s enjoyable when you get through it.”

Carey sang the praises of Emma Manix-Geeves, who hit 80 off 88, for helping her reach triple figures as the duo helped Tassie recover from a 4-43 start to eventually be all out for 280.

“EMG, she really helped me.

“I was struggling out there and ebbed and flowed throughout that innings. It got really tough out there.

“I thought it was a really good effort by the girls to go from 4-40 or whatever we were to get this close.”

Tassie went 1-1 in their trip to Queensland, having played two games in the space of three days against the Fire.

They’ll return to action next month against the ACT.

“There are a lot of positives to take out of it but there’s a lot of things to work on as well,” Carey said.

“I thought it was a good couple of games against a quality side and they just got the better of us (on Tuesday).

“It’s pretty disappointing and impactful on this season as well, this loss.”

NATIONAL CHANCE FOR TASSIE CRICKETERS

Three Tasmanian cricketers have been selected in the Cricket Australia squad to take on the England Lions from Thursday.

Gabe Bell, Rafael MacMillan and Tim Ward have been selected for the four-day match at Ian Healy Oval in Brisbane.

Bell has taken 13 wickets for the Tassie Tigers in the Sheffield Shield this season while Ward hit a century in the most recent game against South Australia.

MacMillan, 19, played a one-day game against Queensland in early December.

Victorian Peter Handscomb will captain the side with Shield leading run scorer Henry Hunt also included.

Gabe Bell is in the CA XI squad. Photo: Steve Bell/Getty Images.

MAWER FINDS LOCAL CLUB

Ash Mawer has found her new local netball home for next season.

The Tasmanian superstar has been unveiled as a “boom recruit” for Moe in the Gippsland League in regional Victoria.

The six-time Tasmanian Netball League MVP departed the Apple Isle at the end of last year, chasing a new opportunity on the mainland.

“Ash is arguably the best player in Tasmania and has won an incredible 6 State league (equivalent to our VNL) MVP’s,” Moe said in a social media post.

“Ash is a superstar goaler who has been known to shoot up to a 1000 goals a season.

“We welcome Ash on board and can’t wait to see her in action this year.”

The Lions will be Mawer’s local club for next season after she committed to Victorian Netball League outfit, the Hawks in November.

“Ash crosses the ditch as a big part of our plans for next season, and we can’t wait to have her on court with us in the new year,” the VNL club said at the time.

TASMANIA ANNOUNCE UNDER-17 SQUAD

Tasmania has confirmed its squad for the under-17 male national championships which will start in Launceston later this week.

The squad includes a blend of players from across the state with some having already made their Cricket Tasmania Premier League First XI debut.

Cricket Tasmania’s pathways coach Marc Simmons will lead the side with Harry Allanby and Alistair Taylor to be the assistants.

Among the names is Luca Di Venuto, the son of Tassie great Michael.

Simmons said he is excited by the prospect of the state hosting the event.

“Our entire party, players and support staff who are representing the organisation at this National Championships are extremely excited by the opportunity, and the players have all had a great lead up to the tournament with a very large percentage of the squad honing in on their skill sets since the late winter months,” he said.

“We’ve had some of the playing group also attend under-19s and Australian Country Champs, and we look forward to those players sharing their experiences and leadership with the remainder of the squad.

“The Cricket Australia U17’s National Championships provide a great gameplay platform for our players, an opportunity I am sure they are grateful for to be able to put their skills on display, and hopefully their name in lights for higher honours.”

Selected squad: Aidan Bulger (Kingborough), Bailey Shead (Clarence), Charles Hill (University), Ethan Arnott (South Launceston), Gabe Tichanow (New Town), Hayden Clark-Sullivan (Clarence), Jack Crane (Greater Northern Raiders/South Launceston), Jericoh Dickens (University), Lachie Coe (Kingborough), Luca Di Venuto (Clarence), Mason Wright (University), Riley Whitelaw (Clarence), Russi Sturzaker (Greater Northern Raiders/Burnie), Tarkyn Jones (Glenorchy).

BOWLS SUCCESS FOR PROMISING YOUNGSTERS

Brighton’s Riley Davie has secured a state championship double at Bowls Tasmania’s premier junior event.

The rising star took out the State Junior boys pairs championship on Wednesday after combining with Cremorne’s Mitch Banks in the final

The duo proved to be too strong for East Launceston’s Ollie Morrison and Lachie Strochnetter of Longford, running out 24-9 winners.

Davie then backed it up later in the day when he took on Morrison in a thrilling bowls singles grand final.

In a match where the lead changed hands several times, Davie held his nerve to eventually prevail 21-18.

Glenorchy Rodman’s Miley Sutton claimed the girls championship which was decided over sectional play.

Sutton remained undefeated in four games with Burnie’s Imogen Patmore finishing as the runner-up.

Riley Davie and Mitch Banks

SOUTH HOBART’S HUGE SIGNING

South Hobart has confirmed the return of former captain Kobe Kemp for the 2025 season.

Described as “one of the league’s most influential players” in his signing announcement, Kemp could be back in action as soon as this coming weekend with warm-up matches against Victorian opposition.

“Kobe boasts a decorated career that includes an NPL Tasmania Title, an NPL Best & Fairest Award, an NPL Golden Boot, a Lakoseljac Cup Title, and six seasons with South Hobart FC from 2015 to 2020, during which he captained the club,” South Hobart said in a statement.

“A proven winner and leader, Kobe brings his talent, experience, and passion back to the club.”

A FAMILIAR FACE RETURNS

Kingborough Lions United have announced a major coaching appointment in a huge boost to its Women’s Super League program.

Simon Edwards has been confirmed as the head coach, returning to a role which he stepped down from at the end of the 2023 season.

Previously he had played a key role in establishing the Lions’ high performance program.

He has been appointed in a team alongside Doug Ollington and Shannon Melican.

Masa Kawano will by the goalkeeper coach.

“I am excited to be working with the program again in 2025 and look forward to building success with the excellent coaching team and club support,” Edwards said in a statement on the club’s website.

“We will be looking to establish depth in our senior group whilst working closely with Youth TD Matt Hess to ensure our 18s and aspirational youth players are given appropriate development opportunities in the program.”

The Lions also announced stage three of the grandstand development would be completed before the start of the season.

Daniel Goodluck has signed for Hobart City.

HOBART CITY WELCOME STRING OF NEW SIGNINGS

Hobart City has signalled its intent for the upcoming National Premier League Tasmania season with a string of signings introduced since the turn of the new year.

Jackson Khasif has been confirmed as returning with 22-year-old Moses Bosco confirmed as the first fresh face in a move which will see him link up with his brother, Jackson.

Attacker John Duku (also known as John Buga) will add “firepower” to the frontline with career achievements including winning the golden boot in the Southern Championship.

Daniel Goodluck, another attacker, has been described as a “dynamic and prolific” forward after arriving for the club.

“Renowned for his clinical finishing, sharp instincts, and impressive pace, Daniel has consistently averaged 19 goals per season across his career,” the club said.

DEVONPORT TRI ADDS HUGE RACE

The 2025 World Triathlon Para Series opener will be part of a jam-packed Devonport Triathlon schedule when the event celebrates its 40th anniversary in March.

From March 14-16, the city will also host the Oceania Triathlon Championships for both elite and under 23 athletes, the Oceania Triathlon Junior Sprint Championships, the Oceania Triathlon Junior Mixed Relay Championships, and the Tasmanian Age Group Standard Championships.

The Oceania Triathlon Standard Championships will double as the Australian Elite Standard Championships, with Devonport also hosting the Australian Elite Mixed Relay Championships.

Since 2016, Devonport has also played a crucial role in the Australian para triathlon scene, with Paralympic champions Katie Kelly and Lauren Parker both securing multiple wins at the event.

The city proudly hosted the World Triathlon Para Series for the first time in 2023 and continues to attract the world’s best para triathletes annually.

AusTriathlon Chief Executive Officer Tim Harradine is excited to return to Devonport – a city that has consistently shown its unwavering commitment to triathlon.

“Devonport has a special place in our sport’s history. For years, it’s been where some of our best triathletes have cut their teeth, and we’re looking forward to being back at Mersey Bluff Beach in 2025.” Harradine said.

“It’s incredible to be celebrating 40 years of the Devonport Triathlon. Devonport has always been a key event on the calendar, and this year, with the anniversary, it’s great to see athletes from every level coming together.

“This year it’s really going to feel like a celebration of everything triathlon in Australia.“