TASMANIA Devils had a really strong trio at the top of the talent pool this year, and while they missed games due to national championships duties, still showed their stuff when available. Boasting the pick one favourite for 2027, the Devils also have a number of other developable talents who finished their bottom-age seasons.

SEASON 2026

SNAPSHOT

Played: 13
Won: 6
Lost: 7

BEST PERFORMANCE

Round 15: def. Eastern Ranges by 48 points

In a test of depth from both sides, it was Tasmania who came away with the massive eight-goal win over the reigning premiers down at North Hobart Oval in Round 15, keeping the Ranges to just three behinds for the match. While the Ranges were missing around half of their best 21, the Devils also missed their top-end talent, but the likes of Annabella Burt (33 disposals, eight tackles) and Luca Murgatroyd (26, disposals, six tackles) stood up around the ball, and Lelanni Kikoak (28 disposals, six marks and 3.3) and Georgia McIntee (12 disposals, four marks, eight tackles and two goals) were damaging in front of the big sticks.

DRAFT PROSPECTS

NATIONAL DRAFT COMBINE

Evie Bingham (North Hobart)
Midfielder/Forward | 172cm | 16/06/2008

Stats [10 games]: 18.1 disposals, 1.8 marks, 7.3 tackles, 3.2 clearances, 2.5 inside 50s, 1.1 rebound 50s, 2 goals

Bingham came into the year as one of the surprise packets of the National Academy, not because of talent, but because of lack of exposure compared to others. She showed she could more than hold her own through the year, with her defensive pressure, athleticism and dual-sidedness all on show through the Devils and Allies matches. She primarily played midfield for the Devils, but spent some good minutes forward, which is where she was deployed for the Allies.

STATE DRAFT COMBINE

Evie Ward (Lauderdale)
Utility | 172cm | 29/10/2008

Stats [11 games]: 25.5 disposals, 2.5 marks, 3.9 tackles, 6.1 clearances, 4.2 inside 59s, 3.5 rebound 50s, 3 goals

The Tasmanian skipper was capable of rolling into any position on the ground, and while her midfield craft meant she had a clear top gig, she drifted into defence when required, or rested forward to be a marking target as well. A nice mix of endurance and general footy smarts, Ward is still ironing out her final execution, but her contest-to-contest work, repeat efforts and aerial ability thanks to her size and smarts, all shine through. Had some huge games at different points during the season and always lead by example.

FUTURE PROSPECTS

Tasmania Devils have a captain in-waiting and 2027 AFLW Draft pick one favourite Matilda Lange leading the charge, with the bottom-age Allies representative winning just about everything there is to win. Lange averaged 30.2 disposals, 6.9 tackles, 8.3 clearances, 5.6 inside 50s and 1.0 goals per game in season 2026, coming second in her side’s goalkicking despite spending the bulk of her time through the middle. A player who brings people to the football and human highlight reel.

While a tough act to follow alongside Lange, the Devils do have a number of other promising talents to note down for 2027. Developing ruck Imogen Verdouw is one such player, included in the National Under 17 Futures squad, having capped off the year with arguably her best performance of the season in the quarter final loss to Murray Bushrangers. Athletic tall utility Luca Murgatroyd looks set for an extended midfield stint next season, getting a real feel for the role after also rotating both forward and back at times.

Reliable defender Olivia Lyons is as competitive as they come, and the Tasmanian talent showed the knack to play on-ball and even forward, kicking the winning goal in a sensational come-from-behind win over Gippsland Power. Taryn Lowe and Sophie Dean were among a raft of other 2009-born prospects, while watching the debut of Aliera Denholm was something special, made all the more remarkable by the fact she only turned 15 this year. Against the Bushrangers in her sole game due to her age, the 155cm Denholm had 17 disposals, eight tackles and booted two goals.