DEVILS’ DASH PROVES TOO MUCH FOR POWER
THE Tasmania Devils have stamped themselves as a genuine NAB League title contender after giving ladder leaders Gippsland Power its first defeat of the year with an inspired performance at North Hobart Oval on Sunday afternoon.
In their first game in a month due to the Under-18 NAB Championships, the Devils went toe to toe with the best team in the land and after just one point separated the sides at the last change, the Devils were too strong for the visitors with a three goal to one final term giving them a momentous 8.16.(64) to 7.11. (53) win.
Not only did the result hand the Power its first defeat of the season it catapulted the Devils into second spot on the NAB League ladder with just three rounds remaining. Tasmania’s best young draft chance Lachie Cowan showed once more why he’s so highly touted in the big win while fellow Devils co-captain Sam Banks Smith also starred.
Tom Beaumont and son-of-agun Jack Callinan were also crucial around the footy while Josh Gillow was a pillar in defence.
“I’m really, really proud of the boys to be honest,” Devils coach Jeromey Webberley said following the statement win.
“Gippsland have had an outstanding year and we built this game up over the past few weeks as a game that would tell us exactly where we were at and how much improvement we’ve made and the boys didn’t lapse all day and were fantastic.
“Our ability to always have pressure on the ball carrier was really good and on the back of that we got some opportunity to transition and impact the scoreboard.
“We will take enormous belief out of this result.
The Devils will next host the Calder Cannons at the Twin Ovals at 1pm on Sunday.