Tasmania’s underage stars back in action after debut full time season on national stage was cut short
The Devils foray into the girls NAB League lasted just two matches in 2020 before coronavirus cut down the competition. The squad is back this year looking to show improvement
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TASMANIA’S best underage female footballers are excited to showcase their improvements in the NAB League this weekend after their first season was abruptly ended.
The Devils girls played two matches in their debut campaign before COVID-19 cut down the competition.
Having spent the past several months fine tuning their skills under coach Cameron Joyce, the group will be looking to hit the ground running when they take on Gippsland Power on Saturday.
“We are a newish team so it will be exciting to see how we go this year after last year was cut short,” leadership group member and midfielder Perri King said.
“It was disappointing for all us, we were finally get used to one another and learning how we all play, I felt we had a groove going and it got cut short.
“This pre-season has worked really well, we’ve had heaps practice matches and intra-club games, I feel we are a lot fitter and faster and stronger from last year.”
Although the 39-strong squad, which ranges in ages from 16 to 20-year-olds, has had additional time to prepare for what is essentially still feels like a first season, Joyce said it would take time to see on-field improvement.
However signs on the track have been encouraging.
“Obviously only getting a couple of games in last year they are super keen to get out there and play some footy at NAB League level.
“It’s hard to tell for me exactly where we are at, I will probably know a bit more in a few weeks’ time once we have played against some opposition.
“Even in the eight weeks we have had, I can see improvement in the girls.”
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