TASMANIA Devils enter the Talent League Girls competition this weekend with Round 3 getting underway and they are the final side to preview for 2026. They have a couple of National Academy members, with some promising bottom-agers as well to keep tabs on.

LAST SEASON

Played: 13
Wins: 5
Losses: 8

Tasmania Devils played one less game than the rest of the full-time teams last season, but also struggled a little with the constant change between representative duties and of course the travel at different points. They had a couple of top 30 players and three drafted all up in what was a successful year draft-wise for the Devils.

FIXTURE

Round 3: vs. Western Jets | April 18 @ Kennedy Community Centre
Round 4: vs. Sydney Swans Academy | April 25 @ Blacktown International Sportspark
Round 5: vs. Gold Coast Suns Academy | May 3 @ Windsor Park
Round 6: vs. GWS Giants Academy | May 9 @ Blacktown International Sportspark
Round 7: vs. GWV Rebels | May 16 @ Mars Stadium
Round 9: vs. Gippsland Power | May 31 @ Shepley Oval
Round 15: vs. Eastern Ranges | July 12 @ TBA
Round 16: vs. Sandringham Dragons | July 19 @ TBA
Round 17: vs. Calder Cannons | July 26 @ TBA
Round 18: vs. Murray Bushrangers | August 2 @ Highgate Recreation Reserve
Round 19: vs. Bendigo Pioneers | August 8 @ Shepley Oval
Round 20: vs. Dandenong Stingrays | August 16 @ TBA
Round 21: vs. Geelong Falcons | August 22 @ Windsor Park

Tasmania Devils have the most unique fixture in the competition to allow for travel demands, with the Devils only kicking off in Round 3, then travelling five of the next six rounds, before having more than a month off the competition – during the national carnival – then returning home for a three-game stint. They play 13 games all up throughout the course of the season.

TOP-AGE PLAYERS TO WATCH

The Devils top-age contingent is headlined by two National Academy members in Evie Ward and Evie Bingham. Ward looks to be a fully fledged midfielder this season after dabbling in there – as well as a range of other positions in the past. She knows how to find the ball and bring some strong pressure around the contest, as will the versatile Bingham.

She could play on just about any line, but in 2026 has been earmarked for a mid/forward rotation where she can use her speed and pressure to impact the game. Both players will look to build on past years, with Bingham having had less exposure, but with some great natural traits, while Ward now gets to take the reins in the middle.

From the other top-agers, Stevie-Lee Johns is a dangerous small forward who knows where the big sticks are, while Annabella Burt and Lelanni Kikoak are a couple of others in an even group for the Devils.

FUTURE NAMES TO REMEMBER

A clear standout from the bottom-age crop is star onballer Matilda Lange who is right in contention for the top pick for the 2027 AFLW Draft. Perfect timing with the Devils coming into the AFL, Lange is a big-bodied inside midfielder who can use both sides and win the ball all over the ground. She can go forward and hit the scoreboard too, with a booming kick that can penetrate defensive zones. Others who catch the eye included athletic tall Luca Murgatroyd who will provide a marking target, while Holly Sutcliffe caught the eye at the AFLW U16s last season and Imogen Verdouw will take the ruck duties.

SUMMARY

Tasmania Devils will have quite a few developing talents coming through the ranks in 2026 with an eye to the future. They have two clear draft hopes to start the season, but as always others pop up throughout the season.