Tasmania’s first VFL finals campaign hit a hurdle on Saturday afternoon, with Geelong defeating the Devils by 23 points in a Qualifying Final at GMHBA Stadium.
Despite entering the finals with a top-four finish and a coveted double chance, Tasmania was unable to contain a strong Geelong outfit, falling 13.11 (89) to 9.12 (66).
The result means the Devils remain alive in the finals race and will now shift their focus to a knockout semi-final against Essendon at North Hobart Oval.
Played in partly cloudy conditions, the match began as an evenly contested battle.
Zach Adams opened the scoring inside the opening minute before Josh Wolfe added another major midway through the term.
Geelong responded through Zach Stevens and Jacob Molier, with the Cats taking a narrow lead into quarter-time, 2.4 (16) to 2.2 (14).
The second quarter proved pivotal as Geelong gradually seized control.
The Cats generated repeat forward entries and found goals through Jay Rantall, Nicholas Driscoll, Jesse Mellor and George Stevens.
Tasmania stayed within striking distance thanks to goals from Lachlan Hay, Bailey Boag and Brandon Leary, but Geelong’s efficiency allowed the home side to extend its lead to 6.5 (41) to 4.6 (30) at the main break.
Tasmania fought hard after half-time and attempted to close the gap.
Hugh Dixon kicked a crucial goal before Cameron Owen and Lachlan Hay added majors of their own.
However, Geelong continually responded through Jesse Mellor, Cillian Burke, Joe Pike and Zach Stevens.
The Cats maintained scoreboard pressure and entered the final quarter with a handy advantage, leading 10.9 (69) to 6.8 (44).
The Devils continued to battle in the final term, with Hugh Dixon, Bradley Cox-Goodyer and Lachlan Hay all adding goals.
However, Geelong remained composed and answered every challenge.
Two goals from Mitch Knevitt and another from Jacob Molier ensured the Cats kept control of proceedings before securing a 23-point victory.
Although the result was disappointing, Tasmania remained competitive across much of the afternoon.
The Devils actually recorded more disposals than Geelong and narrowly won the marking count, but the Cats’ advantage at stoppages and ability to capitalise on key opportunities proved decisive.
Hugh Dixon was outstanding for Tasmania, finishing with two goals, 13 disposals, 11 marks and 15 hit-outs in a strong all-round performance.
Bailey Boag worked tirelessly through the midfield with 30 disposals and seven clearances, while Robbie Fox continued his excellent season with 26 disposals.
Lachlan Hay was Tasmania’s only multiple goal scorer alongside Dixon, kicking two majors, while Zach Adams, Josh Wolfe, Brandon Leary, Cameron Owen and Bradley Cox-Goodyer also found the scoreboard.
Jye Menzie and Caleb Mitchell were influential in general play, combining for 38 disposals.
For Geelong, Mitch Knevitt was outstanding with 30 disposals and two goals, while George Stevens gathered 31 disposals and eight clearances.
Jesse Mellor, Jacob Molier and Zach Stevens each kicked two goals, helping the Cats steadily build their advantage throughout the contest.
The defeat ends Tasmania’s hopes of progressing directly to a preliminary final, but their top-four finish means the Devils retain a second chance.
After an impressive inaugural season and securing home-and-away success, Tasmania now has the opportunity to regroup and prepare for its next finals challenge.
2026 VFL Qualifying Final
Geelong 2.4 6.5 10.9 13.11 (89)
Tasmania 2.2 4.6 6.8 9.12 (66)
GOALS
Geelong: Knevitt 2, Mellor 2, Molier 2, Z. Stevens 2, Burke, Driscoll, Pike, Rantall, G. Stevens
Tasmania: Dixon 2, Hay 2, Adams, Boag, Cox-Goodyer, Leary, Owen, Wolfe
BEST
Geelong: Knevitt, G. Stevens, Mellor, Pike
Tasmania: Williams, Dixon, Boag, Fox, Hay