TASMANIA Devils enjoyed a strong home and away season in the Coates Talent League Girls season, but unfortunately fell at the first finals hurdle with the absence of three starting midfielders all out injured. Still, the Devils showed plenty of promise for the future with a number of bottom-agers impressing throughout the course of the year.

TASMANIA DEVILS

RECORD: 2nd Overall | 1st Country | 10-3 | 145.10%
STREAK: L | WWWLLWWWW | | WWW |

THE STORY:

A heartbreaking five-point loss to eventual premiers Oakleigh Chargers down on the Apple Isle was the only thing that stopped the Devils from winning the first four games. After back-to-back losses, the Devils finished the year on a six-game winning streak to race to the top of the Country pool, only for Tasmania to go down to Geelong Falcons in the elimination finals.

THE HIGHLIGHT:

On the road at Preston City Oval, the Tasmania Devils held on in a thriller against a fast-finishing Northern Knights outfit by seven points. Against a tough opposition on their home deck, the Devils booted five goals to one in the second term to open up a 27-point lead at half-time. The Knights kicked four of the last five goals to come agonisingly close, but fell short with the Devils able to enjoy a memorable away victory.

THE STAR:

Mackenzie Williams continued her fantastic development through her top-age year spending time in all thirds of the ground despite still being predominantly a rebounding defender. Williams averaged 18.7 disposals, 3.5 marks, 3.6 tackles, 2.3 inside 50s and 4.4 rebound 50s in the match which were on par to her numbers in 2023.

What Williams did differently was get a taste of different roles, spending a fair bit of time in midfield, and even went forward to kick a couple of goals as well. Through her AFLW Academy and Allies form, Williams had plenty of exposure as that reliable defender who could match it with opponents one-on-one and provide speed in transition.

THE MAINSTAYS:

Aside from Williams, the other dominant top-ager was Ava Read who slotted a competition-high 26 goals throughout the course of the season. She provided a target up forward and was a reliable set shot on goal, while Lucy Thompson managed nine games and had some big moments throughout as a tough inside midfielder who could roll forward.

Sophie Strong one of Tasmania’s most naturally gifted players unfortunately was limited to just one game due to injury. On the other end of the scale, Tunisha Kikoak played two games before the tall utility was drafted to Fremantle as a top-up player.

THE FUTURE:

Priya Bowering is a star in the making and a constant on the inside as a clearance expert. The midfielder had a season-high 47 disposals in one game and averaged 24.1 for the season. She along with Mischa Barwin provide a great one-two punch in midfield, with Barwin also a crafty half-forward who can hit the scoreboard and has terrific athletic traits.

Harriet Bingley is another one to watch for 2025 with great strength overhead and can play on all three lines, though is primarily a forward/midfielder. Mia Anderson provided some great play on the inside consistently, while Josie Rose kicked 16 goals alongside Bingley to be the next most behind Reid for the Devils.