Tasmania produced a determined final-quarter comeback to rescue two points in a high-scoring draw against Werribee at Avalon Airport Oval on Saturday afternoon.

Trailing late in the contest, the Devils finished strongly to level scores and hold on in the closing minutes, with the sides unable to be separated at 14.13 (97) apiece in Round 7.

In favourable conditions, both teams moved the ball freely early, but it was Tasmania that made the sharper start. Goals to Hugh Dixon, Kai Cameron and Jack Callinan helped the Devils generate early scoreboard pressure, building a 12-point lead by quarter-time, 6.2 (38) to 4.2 (26).

Werribee responded strongly in the second term, lifting their work around stoppages and driving repeat entries inside 50. The home side capitalised on that territory to kick five goals for the quarter, while Tasmania managed just one, allowing Werribee to overturn the deficit and head into the main break with a 16-point advantage, 9.8 (62) to 7.4 (46).

The game tightened considerably after half-time. Both sides found it harder to generate clean looks at goal, with accuracy proving costly. Tasmania edged back into the contest through goals to Lachlan Hay, Daniel Cooney and Dixon, but Werribee maintained a narrow lead at the final change, 11.12 (78) to 10.9 (69).

The final quarter delivered a high-quality finish, with momentum shifting repeatedly as both teams pushed for control. Werribee built on its lead during the early stages of the term, with goals to Will Elliott, Harry Grintell and Darcy Gardner stretching the margin and placing Tasmania under significant pressure.

The Devils responded when it mattered most. Goals to Caleb Mitchell and Jaxon Artemis in the latter stages brought Tasmania back within reach, before repeat forward entries set up opportunities to steal the match.

Sam Siggins had multiple late chances to put the Devils in front, but could only register behinds under pressure. With neither side able to find a decisive break in the closing seconds, the match finished level.

Across the contest, Tasmania generated more disposals, marks and tackles, reflecting strong work rate and pressure across four quarters. Werribee’s dominance around stoppages, particularly clearances, played a key role in their control for large portions of the match, but the Devils’ persistence and ability to generate late scoring opportunities ensured they remained in the contest.

Hugh Dixon was a key focal point for Tasmania with four goals, while Jack Callinan and Kai Cameron provided early scoreboard impact. Caleb Mitchell and Jaxon Artemis were influential across the ground, particularly during the final-quarter surge.

Brandon Leary, Geordie Payne and Nick Williams contributed strongly through midfield rotation and ball movement, while Jye Menzie added important presence around the contest.

For Werribee, Dominic Brew was a standout at stoppages, while Charlie Lazzaro and Louis Pinnuck accumulated strongly throughout. Brady Wright and Harry Maguire both impacted the scoreboard as the home side applied consistent pressure across the match.

With no injuries reported by either side, Tasmania takes positives from a strong late response, having recovered from a deficit to secure a share of the points.

With a hard-earned draw secured on the road, the Devils now turn their attention to a Round 8 clash against Southport Sharks on Saturday, 16^th May, with the first bounce scheduled for 11:05am at North Hobart Oval. Tasmania will look to build on its resilience and consistency as its inaugural VFL campaign continues to take shape.

2026 VFL Season – Round 7

Werribee 4.2 9.8 11.12 14.13 (97)
Tasmania 6.2 7.4 10.9 14.13 (97)

GOALS

Werribee: Wright 3, Maguire 3, Elliott 2, Grintell 2, Ivisic, Mun, Raso, Riding
Tasmania: Dixon 4, Callinan 2, Cameron 2, Artemis, Mitchell, Cooney, Cox-Goodyer, Hay

BEST

Werribee: Brew, Lazzaro, Pinnuck, Wright
Tasmania: Dixon, Mitchell, Callinan, Artemis