TASMANIA Devils have roared into the Talent League quarter-finals after a 36-point Wildcard Round win over Bendigo at KGV Oval. The hosts overcame a slow opening quarter to pile on five goals in each of the remaining terms and run out relatively comfortable victors.

Bottom-age star Jake Beams bagged five goals for the winners in a successful mid-game switch into attack. Bendigo goalsneak Eamon Austin also snagged a handful of majors in his side’s defeat. The result sets up a trip to Preston for the Devils, where the Gippsland Power await.

We took note of the top prospects from either side.

TASMANIA DEVILS 2.3 | 7.5 | 12.9 | 17.14 (116)
BENDIGO PIONEERS 5.0 | 7.2 | 8.5 | 12.8 (80)

GOALS:
Tasmania Devils: J. Beams 5, M. Dawkins 3, M. Brown 2, M. Gulliver 2, L. Heazlewood 2, A. Devine, O. Freeland, J. Morrison
Bendigo Pioneers: E. Austin 5, S. Beasy 2, J. Bell, H. Bremner, M. Connick, S. Fangaloka, M. Thompson

BEST:
Tasmania Devils: J. Beams, S. Husband, M. Gulliver, L. Heazlewood, J. Morrison 
Bendigo Pioneers: E. Austin, S. Beasy, C. O’Sullivan, J. Bell, N. Willits

TASMANIAN DEVILS:

#1 Lucas Heazlewood
Small Forward | 172cm | 02/03/2009

Stats: 14 disposals, 6 marks, 2 goals

It was another almost brilliant game for the bottom-aged livewire. Heazlewood was dangerous early, securing multiple shots on goal but just unable to convert. When he eventually did, his excitement was infectious. Throughout the game, he was quick on the lead and a handful at ground level. Alongside fellow small forward Max Dawkins, he created plenty of scoring opportunities. 

#3 Jack Morrison
Midfielder | 172cm | 20/04/2009

Stats: 22 disposals, 6 marks, 4 tackles, 1 goal

Morrison started brightly and maintained his influence on the game from that point on. He routinely linked up through the centre of the ground via deft handballs and accurate short passes. In the last term, he finished his game off with a second tidy finish in front of goal to cap off a solid afternoon.

#5 Jake Beams
Defender/Forward | 181cm | 22/12/2009

Stats: 19 disposals, 5 marks, 5 goals

The prolific 16-year-old started in defence, taking kick-outs and rebounding with speed. He was moved forward midway through the second term and had immediate impact with two goals for the quarter. He returned forward later in the contest and remained a threat in marking contests and at forward 50 stoppages. Beams had a nice moment late in the third term where he goaled from the paint of the forward arc to demonstrate his kicking power. 

#9 Sam Husband
Midfielder | 178cm | 17/09/2009

Stats: 27 disposals, 7 marks, 9 tackles, 6 clearances

The tough midfielder was another of his side’s impressive bottom-agers. Husband was the dominant on-baller on the day. He won contested ball at the source and distributed it with quick, accurate possessions. He also continually provided an outlet around the ground and worked hard to repeatedly front up to contests to provide physical pressure. 

#16 Max Gulliver
Midfielder/Forward | 178cm | 04/11/2009

Stats: 27 disposals, 5 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 2 goals

The equal-leading disposal winner for the game, Gulliver often dazzled with his burst from scrimmages. The hard-working energiser of a midfielder didn’t let off the gas and proved difficult to contain for opposition midfielders. He scored the game’s first goal and peppered the scoreboard throughout the match. 

BENDIGO PIONEERS:

#3 Eamon Austin
Small Forward | 171cm | 14/09/2008

Stats: 20 disposals, 8 marks, 5 tackles, 5 goals

It was a very efficient performance from the diminutive goalsneak. Austin had moments on the ball where he utilised his swiftness but did his best work inside 50. He closed out the game with three fourth-quarter majors and didn’t look like missing in front of the goals. 

#4 Cruz O’Sullivan
Midfielder/Defender | 183cm | 04/12/2008

Stats: 21 disposals, 4 marks, 6 rebound 50s

In the first half, O’Sullivan was one of Bendigo’s cleanest midfielders and steadiest ball users. He was stationed in defence later in the game. In this role, he impacted marking contests and continued to competently use his right boot, occasionally from the defensive goalsquare while kicking out. 

#7 Max Thompson
Small Forward | 174cm | 06/03/2009

Stats: 12 disposals, 4 marks, 4 inside 50s 1 goal

Thompson played forward for the afternoon, so naturally, he didn’t end up with as many possessions as in previous outings this season, but he still found a way to impact the game. Thompson kicked an impressive goal from just inside 50 and worked hard to find the ball at half-forward, often presenting up the ground on the lead. 

#32 Sonny Beasy
Midfielder/Forward | 181cm | 19/03/2008

Stats: 21 disposals, 5 marks, 4 clearances, 2 goals

Beasy maintained his power and aggression for most of the match. The left-footer played with impressive ferocity around stoppages and was able to burst free from packs at times. When stationed forward, he found a way to hit the scoreboard on multiple occasions.