Tasmania faced a tough challenge in wet and windy conditions, with Darebin controlling the contest to secure a 33-point win at University of Tasmania Stadium in Launceston on Saturday afternoon.

Played in persistent rain and strong winds, the match was heavily influenced by the conditions, with both sides forced to adapt to a slippery game style. Darebin handled the conditions more effectively across the four quarters to record a 7.5 (47) to 2.2 (14) win. 

The opening term was tightly contested, with both teams adjusting to the wet conditions early. Darebin struck first through Chloe Kodagoda, while the Devils responded through Grace White to level the scores. With both sides generating limited opportunities in the difficult conditions, scores were locked at 1.1 (7) apiece at quarter time.

Darebin began to gain control in the second quarter, limiting Tasmania’s forward entries while capitalising on their own opportunities. Kodagoda added two more goals for the visitors, helping build scoreboard pressure, while the Devils were unable to add to their total. At the main break, Darebin held a 14-point lead, 3.3 (21) to 1.1 (7).

The third quarter saw a brief response from Tasmania, with Madi Lamb finding a goal to provide some momentum. However, Darebin continued to respond at key moments, with goals to Lulu Beatty and Sabine Du Parquet maintaining their advantage. Despite Tasmania’s improved effort around the contest, the margin extended slightly, with Darebin leading 5.3 (33) to 2.2 (14) at the final change.

Darebin finished strongly in the final quarter, continuing to take their chances in difficult conditions. Monique De Matteo added two late goals, while the Devils were unable to generate further scoring opportunities. The visitors controlled territory in the closing stages to seal the 33-point win.

Across the match, the challenging conditions had a clear impact on the contest, with clean ball use difficult for both sides. Tasmania worked hard defensively, highlighted by a strong tackle count of 110, but struggled to generate consistent inside-50 opportunities, finishing with 18 entries compared to Darebin’s 21.

Darebin’s advantage in hit-outs (59 to 27) and marks (20 to 14) proved influential, allowing them to control key passages of play despite Tasmania recording slightly more disposals. The visitors also made better use of their forward opportunities, converting seven goals from limited entries.

Libby Haines led Tasmania with a strong performance, finishing with 22 disposals and 12 tackles in the difficult conditions. Perri King was also influential with 16 tackles and solid work around stoppages, while Angelica Clark contributed strongly with 15 disposals and seven clearances. In attack, Grace White and Madi Lamb were the Devils’ only goal scorers.

For Darebin, Chloe Kodagoda was a key figure with three goals, while Monique De Matteo added two majors in the final quarter. Lulu Beatty and Sabine Du Parquet also contributed on the scoreboard, while Isabella Daddo and Shannon Egan provided strong support around the contest.

Despite the result, Tasmania showed resilience throughout the match, particularly defensively, and will take valuable lessons from a difficult outing in testing conditions.

With no injuries reported by either side, the Devils will look to respond and build consistency as their inaugural season continues. Tasmania now turns its attention to a Round 6 clash against Sandringham on Sunday, 21^st June 2026 at Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval in Sandringham, with the match scheduled for 10:05am.

2026 VFLW Season – Round 5

Tasmania 1.1 1.1 2.2 2.2 (14)
Darebin 1.1 3.3 5.3 7.5 (47)

GOALS

Tasmania: White, Lamb
Darebin: Kodagoda 3, De Matteo 2, Beatty, Du Parquet

BEST

Tasmania: Haines, King, Clark, Lamb
Darebin: Kodagoda, Daddo, Egan, De Matteo

Crowd: TBC at University of Tasmania Stadium