Tasmania’s inaugural VFLW season came to an end on Saturday morning, with the Western Bulldogs overcoming a strong Devils start to claim a 23-point victory at Windsor Park in Launceston.
Played in warm, sunny conditions, Tasmania led early and produced several encouraging passages of football, but the Bulldogs gradually took control and ran out 10.5 (65) to 6.6 (42) winners.
The Devils could not have asked for a better start.
After the Bulldogs opened the scoring through Analea McKee, Tasmania responded with three consecutive goals from Mackenzie Banks, Grace White and Ava Read.
The home side generated strong pressure around the contest and capitalised on its forward opportunities to take a 3.0 (18) to 2.1 (13) lead into the first break.
The Bulldogs responded strongly during the second quarter.
Goals to Olivia Jesser, Analea McKee, Ellie Gavalas and Jesser again helped swing momentum in the visitors’ favour.
Tasmania was restricted to just two behinds for the term as the Bulldogs turned a five-point deficit into a 6.3 (39) to 3.2 (20) advantage at half-time.
The Devils showed resilience after the main break and briefly worked their way back into the contest.
Ava Read kicked two important goals while Kelsie Hill also found the scoreboard as Tasmania added three goals in the quarter.
However, the Bulldogs continued to find answers through Emmy Nekrep and Ellie Gavalas, maintaining a 8.4 (52) to 6.3 (39) lead at three-quarter time.
Western Bulldogs controlled the final quarter and prevented Tasmania from mounting a late challenge.
Louise Stephenson and Brooke Barwick kicked goals for the visitors, while the Devils managed only behinds despite continuing to compete hard around the ground.
The Bulldogs ultimately finished strongly to secure a 23-point win.
Despite the result, Tasmania produced several positive performances.
The Devils won the clearance count 32 to 27 and matched the Bulldogs in the marking contest, demonstrating their ability to compete against one of the competition’s strongest sides.
Ava Read once again led the way in attack, finishing with three goals and continuing the outstanding form that made her one of the Devils’ key forwards throughout the season.
Mackenzie Banks, Grace White and Kelsie Hill each added a goal.
Perri King was outstanding through the midfield with 24 disposals, nine tackles and seven clearances, while Angelica Clark collected 10 disposals and six clearances.
Matilda Elbourne continued her consistent season with 15 disposals, while Heidi Preshaw and Sarah Skinner were also important contributors.
For the Bulldogs, Ellie Gavalas, Olivia Jesser and Analea McKee each kicked multiple goals, while Ellie Bishop, Jemima Wrigley and Brooke Barwick were influential around the contest.
The Bulldogs’ dominance in disposals, inside-50 entries and hit-outs proved decisive over the course of the afternoon.
Although the result did not go Tasmania’s way, the match marked the conclusion of a significant inaugural VFLW campaign.
Across the season, the Devils established themselves as a competitive side, recorded several impressive victories and laid a strong foundation for future success.
With no injuries reported by either side, Tasmania closes the curtain on its inaugural VFLW season with plenty of optimism for the future, having gained valuable experience and continuing to build a strong foundation for the years ahead.
2026 VFLW Season – Round 16
Tasmania 3.0 3.2 6.3 6.6 (42)
Western Bulldogs 2.1 6.3 8.4 10.5 (65)
GOALS
Tasmania: Read 3, Banks, White, K. Hill
Western Bulldogs: Gavalas 2, Jesser 2, McKee 2, Barwick, Nekrep, O’Connor Moreira, Stephenson
BEST
Tasmania: King, Read, Clark, Elbourne
Western Bulldogs: Gavalas, Bishop, Wrigley, Barwick