Tasmania produced a strong attacking performance but was ultimately outlasted by Port Melbourne, with the Borough holding off a late challenge to secure a four-point win at ETU Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

In breezy and overcast conditions, the Devils showed resilience throughout the contest and mounted a sustained second-half push, but Port Melbourne’s early advantage proved decisive in a 16.8 (104) to 14.16 (100) result in Round 10.

Port Melbourne settled quickly in the opening term, capitalising on early opportunities to build scoreboard pressure.

Kaine Baldwin was a key figure from the outset, contributing multiple early goals as the Borough established momentum.

Tasmania responded through Hugh Dixon and Lachlan Hay, who each found the scoreboard, but Port’s ability to convert kept them in front at quarter time, leading 6.2 (38) to 5.2 (32).

The second quarter saw Tasmania lift its offensive output, generating repeat entries and creating scoring opportunities.

Goals to Caleb Mitchell, Bradley Cox-Goodyer and Jack Callinan kept the Devils in touch, while Hugh Dixon added another major.

Despite Baldwin adding another goal for Port Melbourne, the Devils controlled the quarter through improved ball movement and repeat scoring opportunities.

At the main break, Tasmania had edged ahead on the scoreboard, 10.8 (68) to 7.4 (46), after a productive quarter in front of goal.

Port Melbourne responded strongly after half-time, regaining control through midfield dominance and efficient forward entries.

Baldwin continued his outstanding performance, adding to his tally, while Luca Alessio and Michael Rudd also contributed goals.

Tasmania remained competitive through Zach Adams and Archie Wilkinson, but Port’s ability to convert during key passages saw the Borough reclaim Tasmania’s half-time advantage, with the scores locked at 12.8 (80) apiece at the final change.

The final quarter delivered a high-scoring and closely contested finish.

Tasmania pushed hard through Dixon, Adams and Kai Cameron, continuing to generate chances inside 50.

However, Port Melbourne responded each time, with goals to Riley Polkinghorne, Kai Dimattina and a dominant Baldwin sealing the result late.

Despite multiple opportunities, the Devils’ inaccuracy in front of goal proved costly, as Port Melbourne maintained composure to close out the match.

Across the contest, Port Melbourne’s advantage in disposals and clearances proved influential, allowing them to control key periods of play.

The Borough recorded 337 disposals and 41 clearances, while also generating 57 inside-50 entries. Tasmania matched Port’s intensity through strong tackling and marking, finishing with more marks and tackles, but ultimately could not overcome the deficit created by Port’s efficiency.

Hugh Dixon led Tasmania with a strong performance, finishing with three goals and a commanding presence around stoppages.

Zach Adams and Lachlan Hay each contributed multiple goals, while Kai Cameron added two majors.

Bradley Cox-Goodyer and Jack Callinan were also important contributors in attack.

For Port Melbourne, Kaine Baldwin was outstanding with six goals, providing a dominant forward presence.

Tom Hird and Luca Alessio each added two goals, while Michael Rudd also contributed multiple majors.

In the midfield, Ben Hobbs and Josh Tovey were influential in driving the Borough’s ball movement, while Flynn Penry played a key role around stoppages.

Port Melbourne’s midfield depth and forward efficiency ultimately proved decisive, with the Borough overturning Tasmania’s half-time lead and controlling enough of the second half to secure the four-point win.

Despite the Devils’ strong marking and tackling pressure, Port’s ability to convert its opportunities at key moments allowed the home side to hold on.

With no injuries reported by either side, the Devils will look to build on their attacking performance and tighten their efficiency in front of goal as the season continues.

Tasmania now turns its attention to a Round 11 clash at North Hobart Oval against North Melbourne on Saturday, 6^th June 2026, with the match scheduled for 10:05am.

2026 VFL Season – Round 10

Port Melbourne 6.2 7.4 12.8 16.8 (104)
Tasmania 5.2 10.8 12.8 14.16 (100)

GOALS

Port Melbourne: Baldwin 6, Hird 2, Alessio 2, Rudd 2, Polkinghorne, Dimattina, Bedendo, Green
Tasmania: Dixon 3, Adams 2, Hay 2, Cameron 2, Cox-Goodyer, Callinan, Mitchell, Norton, Wilkinson 

BEST

Port Melbourne: Baldwin, Hobbs, Tovey, Penry
Tasmania: Dixon, Adams, Payne, Hay, Cameron

INJURIES

Port Melbourne: Nil
Tasmania: Nil