Tasmania delivered one of its most complete performances of the season, producing a dominant four-quarter effort to defeat Essendon by 40 points at Windy Hill on Saturday afternoon.

In fine conditions with sunny skies and little wind, the Devils controlled the contest from the outset and maintained scoreboard pressure throughout the afternoon on their way to a convincing 9.5 (59) to 2.7 (19) victory.

The Devils made a fast start and immediately put Essendon under pressure.

Ava Read opened the scoring less than two minutes into the contest before Madi Lamb added another major midway through the quarter.

Lamb’s second goal late in the term helped Tasmania establish a strong early advantage, while Essendon was restricted to two behinds. At quarter-time, the Devils led 3.0 (18) to 0.2 (2).

Essendon responded briefly during the second quarter through goals to Emma Dineen and Christina Bernardi, but Tasmania continued to control the game.

Ava Read added her second goal of the afternoon, while Georgia Nicholas also hit the scoreboard as the Devils extended their lead to 5.1 (31) to 2.4 (16) by half-time.

Tasmania maintained its momentum after the main break.

Read kicked another goal early in the quarter and continued to threaten inside forward 50, while the Devils’ defence ensured Essendon could not add a major.

Although the Bombers managed several behinds, Tasmania increased its advantage and entered the final term leading 6.3 (39) to 2.7 (19).

The Devils finished strongly in the final quarter, putting the result beyond doubt.

Ava Read added two more goals to finish with five for the match, while Grace White also found the scoreboard as Tasmania piled on three final-term majors.

Essendon was unable to score in the final quarter as the Devils completed an emphatic 40-point victory.

Across the contest, Tasmania’s efficiency with the ball and ability to control possession were key factors.

The Devils finished with more disposals, marks and inside-50 entries, while also applying strong defensive pressure around the ground.

Their ability to convert opportunities inside forward 50 contrasted sharply with Essendon’s struggles in front of goal.

Ava Read starred in attack with five goals, producing one of the standout individual performances of the season.

Madi Lamb was also influential with two goals, while Georgia Nicholas and Grace White added important contributions on the scoreboard.

Ellie Hall continued her outstanding form, collecting 27 disposals and 12 marks, while Perri King was relentless with nine tackles.

Gabbi Featherston, Claire Ransom and Alicia Gordon all made strong contributions around the contest, while the defensive group remained organised throughout the afternoon.

For Essendon, Amelie Gladman worked hard through the midfield and finished with eight clearances, while Ashlea Melnikas provided strong support with 22 disposals.

Naomi Ferres and Georgia Tyrrell also battled hard around the stoppages despite the result.

The victory highlighted Tasmania’s ability to control all phases of the game and convert opportunities on the scoreboard, resulting in one of the club’s most complete performances of the season.

The Devils will look to carry this momentum into the next stage of their campaign.

Tasmania now turns its attention to a home clash against Carlton at North Hobart Oval on Saturday, 8^th August 2026, with the match scheduled for 2:35pm.

2026 VFLW Season – Round 12

Essendon 0.2 2.4 2.7 2.7 (19)
Tasmania 3.0 5.1 6.3 9.5 (59)

GOALS

Essendon: Dineen, Bernardi
Tasmania: Read 5, Lamb 2, Nicholas, White

BEST

Essendon: Gladman, Melnikas, Ferres, Tyrrell
Tasmania: Read, Hall, King, Featherston