Rising stars take chance as Tassie tames Zebras
Tasmania might have uncovered a handful of rising stars capable of pressing for VFL honours next year in Sunday’s win over Sandringham. Read how they got the job done.
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Tasmania may have unearthed some young rough diamonds to polish into potential VFL players after sealing a first win of the representative program against Sandringham on Sunday.
North-west prospect Josh Wolfe was a standout up forward and kicked two goals in the 12.10 (82) to 7.2 (44) win at UTAS Stadium.
James Bealey was also impressive down back and Baker Smith’s versatility was rewarded with two goals in the victory.
Bailey Boag was outstanding in the midfield as the Devils put an understrength Zebras to the sword.
The visitors didn’t field any of their prime movers and after both side kicked three first quarter goals, Tasmania increased their pressure and intensity to get on top.
The win followed previous defeats to Norwood and Frankston, with the much anticipated state contests against Queensland and Sydney/Canberra still to come.
Michael Stingel was strong through the midfield for Tasmania, while Oscar Papropny was dangerous across half-back.
With Tasmania entering the VFL next year, coach Jeromey Webberley has now used almost 40 players across their three games thus far.
“There’s guys like (the experienced) Bailey Boag and Brad Cox-Goodyer, but there’s been sprinklings of Kai Cameron and Josh Wolfe, and James Bealey’s contest work and defence behind the ball is fantastic,” Webberley said.
“Those guys have come in and had a good impact for us, and hopefully given them an opportunity for next year.
“We’ve been trying to get (debutant) Archie Wilkinson and Josh Wolfe in the first couple of games, because we love their length and athletic profile.
“They have stuff to work on their game, but they play the system and they’re the guys we’re trying to find. That’s what the program’s about.
“With Baker (Smith) we felt like we needed some more length in our forward line, and some more representation down the line.
“He did that really well today, and also went up forward and finished off his work. His stuff as second ruck as well provided a contest and effort, he played his role well.”
Webberley was pleased with how Tasmania’s defence and contest work has evolved into a visible identity the first three games.
“We always say we value contest and defence, and offense comes third for us. I thought our first two phases in contest and defence were fantastic throughout the day,” he said.
“We need to add layers to our offense but the most pleasing thing out of the first three games was we’ve been able to build a profile, and a game structure which works well for the players we have.
“We had about nine different players today, and four debutants. I felt even had we got beaten today there’s a clear style we’re trying to play, and the players did their roles extremely well.”
With scores deadlocked after the first term, North Launceston star Brad Cox-Goodyer kicked the first two goals of the second quarter, including a gem from the pocket.
From there the hosts always seemed in control of the game, sealing a 38-point win.
TASMANIA 3.0 6.1 10.5 12.10 (82) def SANDRINGHAM 3.0 4.0 6.0 7.2 (44)
Goals: Tasmania - Brad Cox-Goodyer 2, Joshua Wolfe 2, Baker Smith 2, Brandon Leary 2, Keegan Lowe, Kai Cameron, Jack Dolliver, Mitchell Brouwer; Sandringham - Oliver Moodie 2, Zac Greeves, Ned Maginness, Flynn Gregor, Robert Amendola, Charlie Richardson
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