The Tasmania Devils are seeking redemption in their penultimate game of the VFLW campaign.
The ninth-placed Devils are heading interstate for the final time this year to take on the Casey Demons at Casey Fields from 11:35am on Sunday.
Casey spoilt the party back in May when it defeated Tasmania by 25 points in the club’s inaugural VFLW game.
The last-placed Demons have not won another match since then, but Devils midfielder Perri King is preparing for a fierce challenge.
She said Sunday’s game is the perfect opportunity to show how much Tasmania has grown and improved since the start of the season.
“I think it's going to be a good test for us, a bit like a redemption round you could say,” King said.
“We played Casey in our very first game. We've obviously changed as a team since then; we've grown and improved massively.
“We are a different team with the way we're connected and playing as a group. Hopefully, that will be on display this Sunday.”
King was one of the only Devils players with extensive VFLW experience before this season, from her time on North Melbourne’s AFLW list.
But she has been impressed with how quickly her teammates have adjusted to the level.
“Half of our team hadn't played at this level before this season. It's a great credit to them because they don't look out of place and they got the hang of it within the first couple of rounds,” King said.
“Their competitiveness, will to win and drive are just amazing. I'm really proud of all the girls because it is the highest level, and they have shown that they belong.”
The Devils are out of finals contention, but King said they still have a lot to play for in their final two games of the season.
“I think our main focus is that we want to play our way and be known for something. We want to be known as the team that is hard to play against,” she said.
“We want to make it difficult for these teams in the last two rounds, so they go away and say, ‘wow, Tassie have improved and are going to be really hard to play against next season’. Send a bit of a message.”
Tasmania will be hoping to respond after last week’s 42-point loss to Geelong.
King was one of the Devils’ best with a team-high 22 disposals, six tackles and two clearances.
She said getting to play for her state alongside her friends and family is the reason for her strong form.
“It means the world to me, and words can't explain how thankful I am to put on that Tassie map,” King said.
“To be able to play for my home state at this level is something that I've always dreamed of. I get to play with the best bunch of girls that I've ever met. It's honestly been the most joyful season.”
The Devils are expecting another strong turnout from their fans on the road this Sunday.
“When we go away to Melbourne, we have so many families who fly over and fans based there who turn up,” King said.
“You feel at home when you hear them cheering for you. We're so grateful because it wouldn’t be the same without them.”
The game is being shown live on AFL.com.au and the AFL Live Official App.
Tasmania’s VFL team has a bye this week ahead of its Qualifying Final against Geelong.