Tasmania produced a spirited performance on the road but fell six points short against Williamstown in a tightly contested Round 17 clash at DSV Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Played in mild, sunny conditions, the Devils overcame an early deficit and entered the final quarter with the lead before Williamstown rallied late to secure a 13.14 (92) to 11.20 (86) win. 

Williamstown started strongly, making the most of its opportunities in front of goal.

The home side kicked four goals in the opening term, while Tasmania battled inaccuracy despite generating scoring chances.

Goals to Aiden Begg and Lachlan Hay kept the Devils in touch, but Williamstown held a 4.3 (27) to 2.5 (17) advantage at quarter-time.

The second quarter followed a similar pattern.

Tasmania continued to create opportunities inside 50 but struggled to maximise its scoreboard return.

Brandon Leary, Hugh Dixon and Jed Hagan all kicked important goals as the Devils worked their way back into the contest, however Williamstown responded through Josh D’Intinosante and Conor Willis to maintain its advantage.

At half-time, the Seagulls led 7.8 (50) to 5.13 (43).

Tasmania produced its best football of the afternoon after the main break.

Goals to Aiden Begg, Jack Dolliver, Maddox Iverach and Zach Adams helped the Devils seize momentum, while their defence tightened considerably around the contest.

Although Williamstown remained dangerous through Nathan Colenso and Max Philpot, Tasmania outscored the home side in the third quarter and took a five-point lead into the final break, 9.17 (71) to 9.12 (66).

The final quarter delivered a dramatic finish.

Tasmania extended its advantage early and led by as much as 12 points midway through the term, but Williamstown responded when it mattered most.

Goals to Nathan Colenso, David Cuningham and Angus Seivers shifted momentum back to the Seagulls, while the Devils continued to pressure through Harry Elmer and Geordie Payne.

Despite creating opportunities late, Tasmania could not recover the deficit as Williamstown held on for a six-point win.

Across the match, the Devils held advantages in several key areas.

Tasmania finished with more inside-50 entries (53 to 46), more marks (92 to 64) and more tackles (67 to 64), while also matching Williamstown around stoppages.

However, the difference ultimately came down to efficiency in front of goal, with Tasmania’s return of 11.20 proving costly in a match decided by less than a kick.

Aiden Begg was influential for the Devils with two goals, 15 hit-outs and seven clearances, while Bailey Boag produced a standout midfield performance with 29 disposals and eight clearances.

Robbie Fox accumulated 26 disposals, while Hugh Dixon provided a strong target in attack with a goal and 10 marks.

Brandon Leary worked hard throughout with 21 disposals and a goal, while Zach Adams, Harry Elmer and Geordie Payne all made important contributions as Tasmania surged into the lead during the second half.

For Williamstown, Nathan Colenso led the way with three goals, while Josh D’Intinosante, Kallan Dawson and Conor Willis each added two majors.

Toby Triffett was outstanding around the contest with 37 disposals and 11 clearances, while Jack Toner collected 32 disposals and Alex Mirkov controlled the ruck with 44 hit-outs.

The result highlighted Tasmania’s resilience and ability to fight back from an early deficit, but also underscored the importance of converting opportunities in a closely fought contest.

Tasmania has the bye next week before turning its attention to a clash against the Sydney Swans at Tramway Oval in Sydney on Saturday, 1st August 2026, with the match scheduled for 11:05am.

2026 VFL Season – Round 17

Williamstown 4.3 7.8 9.12 13.14 (92)
Tasmania 2.5 5.13 9.17 11.20 (86)

GOALS

Williamstown: Colenso 3, D’Intinosante 2, Dawson 2, Willis 2, Cuningham, Philpot, Seivers, M. Toner
Tasmania: Begg 2, Adams, Dixon, Dolliver, Elmer, Hagan, Hay, Iverach, Leary, Payne

BEST

Williamstown: Triffett, Colenso, Toner, Mirkov
Tasmania: Begg, Boag, Fox, Dixon