Female Devils debut on big stage
TASMANIA’S new Devils girls’ under-18 football team will make its NAB League debut in a curtain-raiser for the AFLW match between the Kangaroos and Adelaide Crows at North Hobart Oval on March 7.
The Tasmania Devils boys debuted in the NAB League last year and the Tasmanian girls will join the female competition this year. The Tassie girls will play five games on home soil, including three AFLW curtain-raisers at North Hobart in partnership with the North Melbourne Tasmania Kangaroos.
AFL head of talent pathways and State League competitions, Tristan Salter said that following the success of the inaugural NAB League season in 2019, he was pleased to welcome the newly formed Tasmania Devils to the girls’ division.
“After a successful introduction of the Tasmania Devils into the boys’ competition in 2019, it is great to welcome Tassie into the girls’ division, creating another opportunity for Tasmanian players to represent their state and given them the best opportunity to progress their footballing careers,” he said.
Tasmania Devils state manager Craig Notman said excitement was building among the squad of about 40 Devils girls.
“The chance for our Devils girls to start their campaign ahead of the AFLW clash between the North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos and the reigning premiers is significant and will be a big day in the history of women’s football in the state,” Notman said.
The Devils boys and girls play double-headers against Bendigo Pioneers at North Hobart on April 18, Murray Bushrangers at UTas Stadium on April 26, Greater Western Victoria Rebels at UTAS on May 3, and Dandenong Stingrays at Penguin on May 10.
“We are really excited to have both of our NAB League sides playing on the same day at UTas Stadium and Dial Park, with these double-headers something we pushed hard for,” Notman said.
Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sydney, GWS and Northern Territory return to the boys’ competition in 2020. The Tasmania Devils boys play their first game against Brisbane as part of a triple-header at Blacktown Oval, Sydney, on March 28. Their first home game is against Bendigo Pioneers at North Hobart Oval on April 18.