Tasmania’s inaugural VFLW appearance saw the Devils challenged by an experienced Casey Demons side, with the visitors controlling the opening and closing stages to secure a 25-point win at North Hobart Oval on Saturday afternoon.

Encouraging signs across the middle quarters highlighted Tasmania’s ability to respond, but Casey’s early scoreboard pressure and strong finish proved decisive in an 8.6 (54) to 4.5 (29) result.

Casey settled quickest in the opening term, controlling territory early and converting repeat opportunities in front of goal. Anna Vrsecky was influential, hitting the scoreboard early as the Demons built momentum.

Despite a lone response from Libby Haines, the Devils’ first goal in VFLW competition, Tasmania struggled to generate sustained forward pressure, trailing 1.0 (6) to 4.4 (28) at the first break.

The Devils responded strongly in the second quarter, lifting their intensity around the contest and limiting Casey’s scoring opportunities.

Mackenzie Banks and Angelica Clark both found goals as Tasmania worked its way back into the contest, holding the Demons to just one point for the term.

The lift in pressure and ball movement reduced the margin to 11 points at half-time, 4.5 (29) to 3.0 (18).

The contest tightened further after the main break. While scoring slowed, Tasmania remained competitive and continued to apply pressure, with Banks adding her second goal.

The Devils edged the term in a low-scoring arm wrestle, but Casey maintained a narrow advantage heading into the final change, 5.6 (36) to 4.3 (27).

Casey regained control in the final quarter, re-establishing dominance around stoppages and converting its opportunities to pull clear.

Goals to Vrsecky, Alice Robinson and Abbey Rabot ensured the margin extended, while the Devils were limited to behinds despite continued effort. The Demons’ ability to finish their chances proved decisive in the closing stages.

Across the match, Tasmania matched Casey for inside-50 entries and remained competitive at ground level, but the Demons’ advantage in hit-outs and clearances allowed them to generate repeat scoring opportunities.

Casey’s control of territory in the first and final terms ultimately shaped the result.

Angelica Clark was a standout for Tasmania, finishing with 16 disposals and strong tackling pressure, while Mackenzie Banks provided a key forward presence with two goals.

Libby Haines worked hard across the ground to provide a target in attack, and Georgia Nicholas continued to find the ball through the middle with 18 disposals.

Brieanna Barwick (six tackles) and Perri King (13 tackles) were both prominent at ground level, applying consistent pressure throughout, while Joherty Revell played an important role in the ruck with 21 hit-outs.

For Casey, Anna Vrsecky led the scoreboard with three goals and four behinds, while Meg Macdonald controlled the midfield with 26 disposals and 11 tackles.

Alice Robinson contributed two goals to complement Vrsecky’s output, while Rebecca Fitzpatrick also made an impact around the contest.

Despite the result, Tasmania showed promising signs through the middle stages of the contest, particularly in its ability to respond after a slow start in its first outing at VFLW level.

With no injuries reported for Tasmania, the Devils will take valuable experience from their inaugural match, while Casey’s Anna Vrsecky entered concussion protocols following the game.

2026 VFLW Season – Round 1

Tasmania 1.0 3.0 4.3 4.5 (29)
Casey 4.4 4.5 5.6 8.6 (54)

GOALS

Tasmania: Banks 2, Haines, Clark
Casey: Vrsecky 3, Robinson 2, Madigan, Rabot, Fitzpatrick

BEST

Tasmania: Clark, Banks, King, Barwick
Casey: Macdonald, Vrsecky, Robinson, Burn

INJURIES

Tasmania: Nil
Casey: Vrsecky (concussion)