A FIVE-goal final term saw Tasmania South run over the top of its Northern counterpart, to secure a 7.11 (53) to 3.6 (24) victory in the AFLW Under 16 Championships. In a tough, hard-fought encounter for three quarters, South was able to conjure up five majors – three of which came off the boot of Josie Rose – in the closing 20 minutes to secure a convincing victory.

Remarkably, Tasmania North had a set shot from 15m out early in the last term for a chance to go seven points up after being a point up at the last change. The kicked missed and then from that point on, the South side piled on 5.2 to 0.1 to end the game as 29-point victors. Both teams struggled to get too much ascendancy in the first hour as each defence held up well and applied good pressure. With many of the players hoping to put their hands up for Devils selection, it was a great opportunity for the future of Tasmanian female footy.

Devils coach Jerome Webberley was in attendance casting an eye over the Under 16 crop, with South’s Mia Anderson earning best afield honours. She collected 28 disposals, seven clearances, three marks, three inside 50s and five tackles, whilst kicking three behinds which was the only aspect stopping her from a complete performance. Sophie Strong (28 disposals, four marks, five tackles and 11 inside 50s) provided great run going forward, while Natasha Furjanic also dominated the stoppages with seven clearances and seven tackles to go with her 23 touches.

Rose’s three last quarter goals after playing in defence earlier in the game, the the work of Mischa Barwin and Chloe Broomhall across the ground saw them all amongst the best. For North, Harriet Bingley was a standout, using her strong body to force her way through stoppages to win 17 disposals and five inside 50, while laying a game-high 12 tackles. Georgia Gillow (21 disposals, three marks, six tackles, three inside 50s and five rebound 50s) and Jorja Haberle (27 disposals, four marks, two clearances, two inside 50s and three rebound 50s) also stood out for the losing side.

The match marked the conclusion of the Futures matches at both Under 17s and Under 16s level for the year, with all states and territories having now completed their championships. For the Tasmanian AFLW Draft hopefuls of the future, others from the 2024 and 2025 AFLW Draft classes to watch include Mackenzie Williams (2024) and Priya Bowering (2025), while Halle Whitehead (2024) and Meg Harrison (2024). None of the quartet played in the match as they are already a part of the Devils’ program.

TASMANIA NORTH 0.1 | 2.3 | 3.4 | 3.6 (24)
TASMANIA SOUTH 0.1 | 2.3 | 2.9 | 7.11 (53)

GOALS:

North: T. Tipene-Herbert, C. Bezemer, T. Bell
South: J. Rose 3, E. Henricks 2, S. Leonard, S. Prichard

RMC BEST:

North: H. Bingley, J. Haberle, G. Gillow, G. Weldon, L. Nast
South: M. Anderson. S. Strong, N. Furjanic, J. Rose, M. Barwin