Tasmania’s return to Ninja Stadium for its Anzac Day clash brought intensity and opportunity, but missed chances and a decisive middle stretch ultimately proved costly, as the Devils fell by 25 points to Carlton on Saturday night.

After setting the early tone and controlling long periods of the opening term, the Devils were unable to turn territory and pressure into sufficient scoreboard reward, allowing the Blues to steady and pull clear in a 14.9 (93) to 9.14 (68) result in warm, calm conditions.

Tasmania’s start reflected the energy and defensive identity that has underpinned its early season. The Devils applied immediate pressure, locked the ball in their front half and opened the scoring through Zach Adams, but several other forward entries went unrewarded, keeping Carlton within reach.

Despite holding the Blues goalless from general play in the first quarter and spending most of the term in front, Tasmania’s advantage was limited to five points at the first break, 1.3 (9) to 0.4 (4), with missed opportunities leaving the contest finely balanced.

The second quarter proved decisive. Carlton lifted its ball use and began converting its chances, while the Devils were unable to capitalise on continued looks inside 50. Goals to Liam Farrar, Darcy Tucker and Campbell Chesser swung the momentum, before late majors from Blake Acres and Logan Prout opened up a gap on the scoreboard.

At half-time, Carlton had established a 17-point lead, 5.6 (36) to 2.7 (19), despite Tasmania remaining competitive around the contest.

The Devils responded with purpose after the main break. Increased speed around the ball and sharper movement forward sparked a strong passage, with Sam Siggins, Brandon Leary, Jack Callinan and Kai Cameron all finding goals as Tasmania briefly wrestled momentum back.

Just as the contest appeared to tighten, Carlton delivered the crucial counterpunch. Jack Ison’s late third-quarter burst proved pivotal, with the Blues restoring control and taking a 21-point advantage into the final change, leading 10.8 (68) to 6.11 (47).

Tasmania again pushed early in the final term, with Jaxon Artemis converting to keep the margin within reach, but Carlton’s composure held firm. Goals to Wade Derksen, Jed Rule and Lachie Fogarty ensured the Devils could not fully close the gap, despite continued effort and late scores through Siggins and Jye Menzie.

Beyond the scoreboard, the contest reflected a competitive battle. The Devils matched Carlton for inside-50 entries and remained close in clearances and tackles, but were unable to overcome the Blues’ advantage in disposals, marks and ruck supply, with efficiency in front of goal the key separator.

George Hewett was prominent for Carlton, while Flynn Riley’s influence through the ruck and around the ground provided a steady platform. Jack Ison’s four-goal return was critical, particularly during the momentum-shifting phase late in the third quarter.

For Tasmania, Adams was a consistent presence across the night, while Robbie Fox, Caleb Mitchell, Hugh Dixon and Jye Menzie provided strong support through pressure and work rate as the contest wore on.

The Blues suffered two injury concerns, with Rob Monahan (shoulder) and Darcy Tucker (calf) unable to finish unscathed, while the Devils reported no injuries.

Despite the result, Adams was recognised after the siren, receiving the inaugural Cameron Baird Medal as the Devils’ best performer on the night.

With valuable lessons taken from a competitive Anzac Day contest, the Devils now turn their attention to a clash against Sandringham next Sunday at UTAS Stadium. Tasmania will look to sharpen its execution and build on the foundations established across the opening rounds as its inaugural VFL campaign continues to take shape.

2026 VFL Season – Round 5

Tasmania 1.3 2.7 6.11 9.14 (68)
Carlton 0.4 5.6 10.8 14.9 (93)

GOALS

Tasmania: Siggins 2, Adams, Artemis, Callinan, Cameron, Elmer, Leary, Menzie
Carlton: Ison 4, Fogarty 2, Derksen 2, Acres, Chesser, Farrar, Prout, Rule, Tucker

BEST

Tasmania: Adams, Fox, Mitchell, Menzie
Carlton: Hewett, Riley, Wilson, Ison

INJURIES

Tasmania: Nil
Carlton: Monahan (shoulder), Tucker (calf)

Crowd: 14,122 at Ninja Stadium