Tasmania produced a strong final-quarter comeback to secure a nine-point victory over Box Hill in a hard-fought Round 8 clash at Dial Park on Saturday morning.

In cool, partly cloudy conditions, the Devils overturned an early deficit with a three-goal final term to claim a 6.4 (40) to 5.1 (31) win and continue building momentum in their inaugural VFLW campaign.

Box Hill made the stronger start, capitalising on its early opportunities to establish control of the contest.

Goals to Hannah Stuart, Kayley Kavanagh and Rebecca Neaves helped the visitors build an advantage, while Tasmania’s only major of the quarter came through Grace White.

At quarter-time, Box Hill led 3.0 (18) to 1.1 (7).

The Hawks extended their lead during the second term through a second goal from Neaves.

Tasmania continued to apply pressure and found a response through Mackenzie Banks, while a pair of rushed behinds helped trim the margin slightly.

Despite that effort, Box Hill held a 4.0 (24) to 2.3 (15) advantage at the main break.

Tasmania began to shift momentum after half-time.

Grace White kicked her second goal of the match, while the Devils tightened up defensively and prevented Box Hill from troubling the scorers.

However, the visitors still held a narrow lead heading into the final term, 4.0 (24) to 3.3 (21).

The final quarter proved decisive.

After Dearne Krushka reduced the margin with an early behind, Kelsie Hill kicked a crucial goal to put Tasmania within striking distance.

Box Hill responded through Bree Horne, but the Devils finished strongly, with Grace White adding her third goal before Perri King sealed the result with a late major.

Tasmania’s ability to control the closing stages allowed the home side to complete the comeback and record a nine-point victory.

Across the contest, Tasmania’s advantage in disposals, marks and inside-50 entries played a significant role.

The Devils finished with 234 disposals to Box Hill’s 221, generated 31 inside-50s to 25 and dominated the marking count 60 to 24.

While the Hawks narrowly won the clearance battle, Tasmania’s control of possession and ability to retain the ball proved influential.

The Devils also applied strong pressure around the contest, finishing with 76 tackles, and matched Box Hill in key areas throughout the day.

Grace White was outstanding in attack, kicking three goals and taking eight marks in a match-winning performance.

Perri King was influential throughout, finishing with a goal and a team-high 16 tackles, while Angelica Clark continued her strong season with 19 disposals and six clearances.

Libby Haines, Alicia Gordon and Ellie Hall also made important contributions around the ground.

For Box Hill, Rebecca Neaves finished with two goals, while Hannah Stuart, Kayley Kavanagh and Bree Horne each added a major.

Ruby Ford was influential in the ruck, while Rosie Dillon and Stasia Stevenson worked hard around the contest.

The result highlighted Tasmania’s resilience and ability to work its way back into the contest after trailing for much of the day, with the Devils producing their strongest football when the pressure was highest.

With no injuries reported by either side, the Devils will look to build on the performance as their season continues. Tasmania now turns its attention to a Round 9 home clash against the Geelong Cats at North Hobart Oval on Saturday, 11^th July 2026, with the match scheduled for 2:05pm.

2026 VFLW Season – Round 8

Tasmania 1.1 2.3 3.3 6.4 (40)
Box Hill 3.0 4.0 4.0 5.1 (31)

GOALS

Tasmania: White 3, Banks, K. Hill, King
Box Hill: Neaves 2, Stuart, Kavanagh, Horne

BEST

Tasmania: White, King, Clark, Haines
Box Hill: Neaves, Ford, Dillon, Stevenson