Tasmania produced a spirited performance for three quarters but was ultimately overrun in the final term, as Port Melbourne surged late to secure a 25-point victory at ETU Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

In breezy and overcast conditions, the Devils matched the Borough early and mounted a strong third-quarter fightback, but a decisive final-term burst saw Port Melbourne run out 11.6 (72) to 7.5 (47) winners in Round 3.

The opening quarter was evenly contested, with both sides trading goals in a tight early arm wrestle.

Georgia Foran struck first for the Borough, before Grace White responded to put Tasmania on the board.

Ruby Dale’s goal ensured Port regained the lead, but Georgia Purton’s late major levelled scores at quarter time, 2.1 (13) apiece.

Port Melbourne took control in the second term, dominating field position and capitalising on repeat entries inside 50.

Nicola Davidson proved influential during this period, kicking two goals, while Seisia White also added a major.

Tasmania was unable to register a goal for the quarter, as Port established a 22-point lead at the main break, 5.5 (35) to 2.1 (13).

The Devils responded strongly after half-time, tightening the contest and generating forward pressure.

Goals to White and Purton reduced the margin, as Tasmania won the quarter and worked its way back into the game.

Despite the lift, Port Melbourne held a nine-point advantage at the final change, leading 5.6 (36) to 4.3 (27).

Tasmania continued its run early in the final term, with Joherty Revell and Libby Haines converting to cut the margin and briefly apply pressure on the home side.

However, Port Melbourne responded emphatically, regaining control around the contest and dominating the closing stages.

Goals to Courtney Jones, Foran and Dale highlighted a six-goal final quarter for the Borough, as they pulled away to seal the result.

Across the match, Port Melbourne’s advantage in disposals, inside-50 entries and clearances proved decisive.

The Borough generated 42 inside-50s to Tasmania’s 22 and won clearances comfortably, allowing them to control territory for large periods.

While the Devils remained competitive in tackles and hit-outs, Port’s ability to consistently move the ball forward and create scoring opportunities ultimately shaped the outcome.

For Tasmania, Grace White and Georgia Purton each kicked two goals and provided an important forward presence, while Joherty Revell also finished with two majors and had an impact through the ruck.

Libby Haines worked hard across the game and contributed both offensively and defensively, while Ellie Hall and Perri King were strong around the contest.

For Port Melbourne, Nicola Davidson led the way with three goals, while Georgia Foran and Courtney Jones each contributed multiple majors.

Eloise Ashley-Cooper and Mia Caffry were influential through the midfield, while Mackenzie Bourne provided a key presence in the ruck.

Despite the result, Tasmania showed encouraging resilience across the middle stages of the match, responding strongly after half-time and remaining within reach before Port Melbourne’s late surge.

Tasmania now turns its attention to a Round 4 clash at North Hobart Oval against North Melbourne on Saturday, 6^th June, with the match scheduled for 1:35pm.

2026 VFLW Season – Round 3

Port Melbourne 2.1 5.5 5.6 11.6 (72)
Tasmania 2.1 2.1 4.3 7.5 (47)

GOALS

Port Melbourne: Davidson 3, Foran 3, Dale 2, Jones 2, S. White
Tasmania: White 2, Purton 2, Revell 2, Haines

BEST

Port Melbourne: Davidson, Ashley-Cooper, Caffry, Jones
Tasmania: Revell, White, Purton, Haines