TASMANIA Devils snapped a three-game losing streak to easily account for Greater Western Victoria (GWV) Rebels at Mars Stadium on Saturday morning. The Devils made the trip over the Bass Strait to tackle the Rebels, and kept their opposition goalless until the final term, having piled on 9.12 to 0.6 to that point, eventually coming away with a 61-point victory, 10.13 (73) to 1.6 (12).

We took note of some of the players from both sides who caught the eye.

GWV REBELS:

#9 Lila Evans
Midfielder/Wing | 166cm | 30/08/2008

Stats: 16 disposals, 4 tackles, 3 clearances, 4 inside 50s

Evans always brings a hard edge and a competitive attitude to the game, and she was able to find her fair share of the ball, largely in contested situations. She won a number of important clearances, and while her finishing could have been a little better, she did clear the danger zone from a number of stoppages, and also showed a balance of strength and evasion when trying to break through space against a quality midfield. Got a chance on the wing in the final term too.

#17 Milly Shortal
Midfielder/Defender | 175cm | 24/06/2008

Stats: 17 disposals, 7 tackles, 4 clearances, 1 inside 50, 4 rebound 50s, 2 behinds

Shortal was once more an impressive performer for the Rebels, winning a team-high 17 disposals, whilst also spending time in defence, and having a couple of shots on goal too. Her composure and decision making at times under pressure could definitely improve, but the fact she has such a raking kick means even when she throws it on the boot it usually finds its way to grass downfield. What was a real standout part of her game against the Devils was her defensive pressure, with repeat tackles, and while sometimes the opponent still got it out, she continually backed up well and used her bigger frame at the coalface effectively.

#32 Tessa Wilson
Defender | 160cm | 10/06/2010

Stats: 11 disposals, 1 mark, 4 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s

The Under 16s talent was brave under siege in the back half but was never overwhelmed, always throwing herself at contests and clearing desperately. She mopped up time and time again, and while often her exit kicks were chopped off or went a little wide, she dug in to provide defensive pressure. Five of her 11 touches came in the first term, so she was switched on from the get-go, while her sole mark was a courageous one with contract coming in the middle of the ground.

TASMANIA DEVILS:

#2 Evie Ward
Midfielder | 171cm | 29/10/2008

Stats: 31 disposals, 3 marks, 2 tackles, 6 clearances, 9 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50

Had it not been for Lange’s ridiculous statline, Ward’s in its own right would have arguably been the performance of the weekend. She racked the ball up with ease, was consistently roaming the ground to find the pill, and intercepted on a number of occasions by holding a firm line just outside 50. She showed nice composure most of the time when in transition and was able to stand up in tackles to get her hands free. Her stoppage work under pressure can bring about some quick ball to boot bombs, but overall she played a critical midfield game, and paired up so nicely with Lange and Bingham.

#6 Matilda Lange
Midfielder | 170cm | 30/01/2009

Stats: 29 disposals, 2 marks, 5 tackles, 5 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 2 rebound 50s, 4 goals

There were times during the game where you just had to sit back and enjoy the show, because Lange genuinely put in a box office performance. Some of the goals she kicked – playing midfield no less – were just first class. Her opener was a 40m running major and somehow that ended up the least interesting of the four which summed up her day. She nailed her second after receiving by hand, sidestepping and slotting it on the run, while her third was as casual as you like off a step from 40m out. She kicked the fourth in the final term combining not only a sidestep, but a shrug before composing herself and also delivering from 35m out. All that before you get to her elite clean hands, dual-sidedness and decision making. Just a ridiculous performance from a bottom-ager no less.

#7 Evie Bingham
Midfielder/Forward | 171cm | 16/06/2008

Stats: 28 disposals, 3 marks, 5 tackles, 6 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 1 goal, 1 behind

Much like Ward, Bingham had a ripper game, that would only be overlooked due to what Lange – and in many ways, Ward – produced. The trio were well clear as the best three on the field, and Bingham spent her fair share of time forward. She had a few chances that were just outside her range, before finally kicking a goal from 15m out three minutes into the final term. Very clean and has nice vision, Bingham is the type of player who has enormous upside, which was the main reason she was included in the AFLW Academy. Has one of the highest growth potentials given her lack of exposure in 2025. Pressured well and is strong one-on-one.

#8 Olivia Lyons
Defender | 174cm | 20/07/2009

Stats: 16 disposals, 1 mark, 1 clearance, 4 rebound 50s

Continues to build a really consistent season in defence, and the performance against the Rebels was no exception. Her kicking at speed – which often ends in her leg going to maximum length – can sometimes force the ball a little higher than it needs to be, but when she gathers and needs to hit that 30-35m pass she can usually do it consistently. Lyons’ competitiveness stands out, and she’s a good size to compete on talls and smalls, bouncing up from getting crunched in the third term as well. Her quick hands under pressure were good, and she bravely defended when required throughout the match.

#9 Luca Murgatroyd
Tall Defender/Forward | 178cm | 01/04/2009

Stats: 11 disposals, 3 marks, 5 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 1 goal

Another bottom-ager with promise, Murgatroyd got a taste at both ends after starting in defence then going forward. She is able to fly for marks and even if she doesn’t take it, brings it to ground, using her body well in one-on-one contests. She has great athleticism for her size, and while the polish can still further improve, as a whole she has a booming kick and can switch between being a defensive player and offensive one at both ends. A real versatile type who can fill any role required of her.

#13 Sophie Dean
Defender | 173cm | 30/01/2009

Stats: 13 disposals, 5 marks, 4 tackles, 3 inside 50s, 3 rebound 50s

What stands out about Dean is her intercept marking, because she reads the play so well she chopped off a couple of Rebels inside 50 entries from centre clearances, judging the ball in flight and working her opponent under the contest. She is clean above her head and she did provide pressure as well, whilst largely being highly damaging with ball in hand. One of those performances that should not be lost amongst the high-production efforts, and her aerial ability was noted as something to watch for the future.