Tasmania locked away a top-four finish and the coveted double chance in the 2026 VFL finals series with a comprehensive 39-point victory over the GWS Giants at Tom Wills Oval on Sunday morning.

Knowing a win would guarantee a place in the top four heading into September, the Devils delivered a composed and disciplined performance, controlling the contest for long periods before defeating the Giants 15.14 (104) to 9.11 (65).

Played in fine conditions with clear skies in the first half before a gusty breeze developed after the main break, Tasmania made an immediate statement.

Goals to Josh Wolfe, Jed Hagan and Jye Menzie helped the Devils establish early control, while the Giants managed just one goal for the opening term.

At quarter-time, Tasmania led 3.3 (21) to 1.2 (8).

The Devils extended their advantage in a high-scoring second quarter.

Bailey Boag, Brandon Leary, Lucas Wootton and Jack Dolliver all hit the scoreboard as Tasmania repeatedly punished turnovers and transitioned the ball effectively.

While GWS found goals through Connor Stone and Jake Riccardi, the home side had few answers for Tasmania’s ball movement and forward pressure.

Tasmania took a commanding 8.8 (56) to 3.5 (23) lead into the main break.

The Giants showed greater resistance after half-time and enjoyed periods of momentum aided by the strengthening breeze.

Lachlan Grubb kicked two goals during the quarter, while Ryan Hebron also found the scoreboard.

However, Tasmania consistently had the answers.

Goals to Jack Dolliver, Harry Elmer, Lachlan Hay and Maddox Iverach ensured the Devils remained firmly in control and extended their lead to 12.10 (82) to 7.11 (53) at the final change.

Any hopes of a GWS comeback were extinguished in the final term.

Josh Wolfe kicked his second goal of the match before Jack Dolliver completed his three-goal performance.

Harry Elmer added another major, while the Devils continued to control possession and territory despite the challenging conditions.

Tasmania comfortably closed out the contest to secure a vital win and seal a top-four finish.

Across the match, Tasmania’s superiority with the football was decisive.

The Devils recorded 360 disposals to 289, took 124 marks to 66 and generated consistent control through their ball movement and decision making.

Despite GWS holding advantages in hit-outs and clearances, Tasmania’s ability to retain possession and use the ball efficiently allowed them to dictate the game.

Jack Dolliver was outstanding in attack with three goals, while Harry Elmer, Josh Wolfe and Lucas Wootton each finished with two.

Bailey Boag added a goal to go with 18 disposals and four clearances, while Lachlan Hay, Brandon Leary, Jed Hagan, Jye Menzie and Maddox Iverach also contributed majors.

Hugh Dixon produced one of his strongest all-round performances of the season, collecting 26 disposals, 11 marks and five clearances, while Jye Menzie was influential with 24 disposals, 14 marks and a goal.

Robbie Fox continued his excellent form with 21 disposals and nine marks, and Jack Callinan provided strong drive with 21 disposals and eight marks.

For GWS, Lachlan Grubb battled hard with three goals, while Ryan Hebron added two majors.

Jack Ough was prolific through the midfield with 32 disposals and 10 clearances, while Harvey Hooper and Harrison Oliver also worked hard around the contest.

The victory not only secured four premiership points but also confirmed Tasmania’s place in the top four, earning the Devils a double chance in the upcoming VFL finals series.

It was another significant milestone in the club’s inaugural season and further evidence of the group’s ability to perform in high-pressure situations.

Tasmania suffered an injury concern with Aiden Begg leaving the match injured, with the extent of the issue still to be determined.

The Devils now turn their attention to the 2026 VFL Finals series, where Tasmania will meet the Geelong Cats in a Qualifying Final.

The date, time and venue for the match are yet to be confirmed.

2026 VFL Season – Round 21

GWS 1.2 3.5 7.11 9.11 (65)
Tasmania 3.3 8.8 12.10 15.14 (104)

GOALS

GWS: Grubb 3, Hebron 2, Birks, Hooper, Riccardi, Stone
Tasmania: Dolliver 3, Elmer 2, Wolfe 2, Wootton 2, Boag, Hagan, Hay, Iverach, Leary, Menzie

BEST

GWS: Ough, Grubb, Oliver, Hooper
Tasmania: Dixon, Menzie, Dolliver, Fox

INJURIES

GWS: Nil
Tasmania: Aiden Begg (injury, TBC)

 

Crowd: TBC at Tom Wills Oval