Tasmania pushed Box Hill all the way but fell five points short in a tightly contested clash at Dial Park on Saturday afternoon.

In cool, partly cloudy conditions, the Devils fought back from an early deficit and remained within striking distance throughout the contest, however Box Hill held firm in the closing stages to secure a 11.10 (76) to 10.11 (71) win.

Box Hill made the stronger start, capitalising on early opportunities inside 50 and applying scoreboard pressure from the outset.

Goals to Brodie McLaughlin, Aidan Schubert, Kye Declase, Max Pinchbeck and Cody Anderson helped the Hawks establish control, while Tasmania responded through Kai Cameron and Jed Hagan. At quarter-time, Box Hill led 5.2 (32) to 2.0 (12).

The Devils lifted in the second term and generated more opportunities going forward, but inaccurate kicking prevented them from fully closing the gap.

Maddox Iverach kicked Tasmania’s only goal of the quarter, while Box Hill added two majors through Cody Anderson and Schubert.

Despite creating scoring chances, the Devils trailed 7.6 (48) to 3.6 (24) at the main break.

Tasmania produced its best football after half-time.

Goals to Jed Hagan, Maddox Iverach and Hugh Dixon helped spark a comeback, while the Devils tightened up defensively and improved their ball movement.

However, Box Hill continued to find timely answers through Henry Hustwaite and Tom Farrer, maintaining a 16-point advantage at the final change, 9.7 (61) to 6.9 (45).

The final quarter delivered a thrilling finish.

Box Hill extended its lead through Aidan Schubert and Cameron Nairn before Tasmania launched one final charge.

Goals to Hugh Dixon, Geordie Payne, Jye Menzie and Jed Hagan brought the Devils back within striking distance, but the Hawks were able to hold on in the closing minutes to claim the win.

Across the contest, the sides were closely matched in many statistical categories.

Tasmania held a slight advantage in hit-outs and tackles, while Box Hill narrowly led disposals, inside-50 entries and clearances.

The Devils were strong in the air, taking 91 marks to 59, but Box Hill’s ability to make the most of its early opportunities proved decisive.

Jed Hagan was outstanding for Tasmania with three goals and 22 disposals, while Hugh Dixon provided a strong focal point in attack with two goals.

Jye Menzie contributed a goal and 18 disposals, while Zach Adams was influential across half-back with 26 disposals and 11 marks.

Geordie Payne also worked hard throughout, collecting 22 disposals and a goal.

Maddox Iverach added two goals for the Devils, while Caleb Mitchell, Harry Elmer and Lachlan Hay continued to provide important contributions around the contest.

For Box Hill, Aidan Schubert led the scoring with three goals, while Cody Anderson finished with two goals and 25 disposals.

Tom Farrer, Henry Hustwaite, Kye Declase, Max Pinchbeck, Brodie McLaughlin and Cameron Nairn also hit the scoreboard as the Hawks shared the offensive load.

Despite the result, Tasmania showed resilience to work its way back into the match after trailing early and pushed one of the competition’s strongest sides right to the final siren.

With no injuries reported by either side, the Devils will look to build on the positives from a competitive performance as they continue their season.

Tasmania now turns its attention to a home clash against the Gold Coast Suns at North Hobart Oval on Saturday, 11^th July 2026, with the match scheduled for 10:35am.

2026 VFL Season – Round 15

Tasmania 2.0 3.6 6.9 10.11 (71)
Box Hill 5.2 7.6 9.7 11.10 (76)

GOALS

Tasmania: Hagan 3, Dixon 2, Iverach 2, Cameron, Menzie, Payne
Box Hill: Schubert 3, Anderson 2, McLaughlin, Declase, Pinchbeck, Hustwaite, Farrer, Nairn

BEST

Tasmania: Hagan, Adams, Dixon, Payne
Box Hill: Anderson, Schubert, Hustwaite, Farrer