Tasmania Devils Reinforce VFL Ambitions with Impressive Northern Victory
Tasmania’s burgeoning presence in the Victorian Football League (VFL) is already making waves, with the new Devils franchise backing up a historic maiden win by securing a hard-fought victory in the state’s north. Following their triumphant debut against Coburg in Hobart, which drew a sell-out crowd of 10,634, the Devils have now conquered Port Melbourne in Launceston, with a final score of 15.11 (101) to 14.9 (93).
The match, held at the University of Tasmania Stadium, marked the Devils’ first outing in the northern part of the state. A crowd of 5,013 witnessed the contest, with the stadium’s capacity capped at 8,500 due to ongoing redevelopment works. This victory underscores the team’s early promise and their stated ambition to be competitive from the outset of their VFL journey.
The Devils are embarking on a crucial two-season stint in the VFL and VFLW competitions before their highly anticipated entry into the AFL and AFLW in 2028. The club views this period in the Victorian second-tier league as fundamental to their long-term development and preparation for elite Australian Rules Football.
Coach Jeromey Webberley has been vocal about the team’s goals, stating, “We’ve said we don’t want to come here and take part. We want to try and finish in the top 10 and play finals footy in our first year, as well as develop individual talent. We feel like the team is in a really good spot.” This sentiment was clearly on display against Port Melbourne, where the Devils demonstrated resilience and a knack for finding a way to win, even when statistics didn’t initially favour them.
Key Performers and Match Dynamics
Despite being outplayed in several key statistical areas, much like in their opening round victory, the Devils managed to get the job done on the scoreboard. They were again outdone in disposals (353 to 318) and inside-50 entries (49 to 45), but their efficiency in front of goal proved decisive.
A standout performer was stand-in skipper Jye Menzie. The former Essendon small forward was instrumental in the win, booting four crucial goals, including the match-sealing major in the dying moments of the final quarter. Menzie’s impact wasn’t limited to his goalkicking; he also contributed significantly with 13 disposals, six tackles, and five clearances, demonstrating his all-around influence on the game.
Another player making a significant impact is West Australian product Jed Hagan. After a strong showing in round one, Hagan came to life late in the Launceston encounter, kicking two vital goals that helped swing the momentum. The Devils are still managing the absence of captain Robbie Fox, a former Sydney Swans grand finalist, who is currently sidelined with a calf strain.
Resilience and Team Ethos
Coach Webberley highlighted the team’s ability to respond to challenges and maintain their focus. “We said phase one is over, let’s go into phase two. We’re speaking about staying present, staying in the moment,” he explained. “There are some really good signs when we’re under pressure. Our group has been biting down on the mouthguard a bit for the bloke next to them.” This quote speaks volumes about the developing team culture and the “backs-to-the-wall” mentality the Devils are cultivating.
The team’s confidence was also evident as they ran out through a banner that playfully declared, “Undefeated, we’re off to a flyer. Please don’t listen to Eddie McGuire.” This was a clear nod to recent commentary from the former Collingwood president regarding the potential delay of Tasmania’s AFL entry, signalling the Devils’ determination to forge their own path and prove their readiness.
A Glimpse into the Match Progression
The Devils’ history in the VFL dates back to their participation from 2001 to 2008. However, this current iteration as the Tasmania Devils franchise represents a new chapter.
The game itself was a tight affair from the outset. Tasmania started strongly, but Port Melbourne managed to kick the final three goals of the first term, establishing a 26-20 lead by the first break. The second quarter mirrored the first in its back-and-forth nature. The Devils found their rhythm with a run of four consecutive goals, including Menzie’s third of the afternoon. Port Melbourne responded again, however, and managed to snatch a narrow 49-46 lead by halftime. The third quarter saw both teams trade blows, with the scores locked at 80-80 heading into the crucial final term, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion.
