Tasmania’s inaugural VFL season came to an end on Saturday afternoon, with Essendon proving too strong in wet conditions at North Hobart Oval and claiming a 27-point Semi Final victory.
In front of a crowd of 8,012 and with rain falling throughout the contest, the Bombers capitalised on their opportunities and produced a clinical performance to defeat the Devils 15.11 (101) to 10.14 (74), ending Tasmania’s first finals campaign.
The match began at a frantic pace with both sides attacking aggressively despite the slippery conditions.
Jed Hagan and Oscar Paprotny kicked first-quarter goals for the Devils, but Essendon responded through Thomas Edwards, Jayden Nguyen, Matt Guelfi and Liam McMahon.
The Bombers’ efficiency in front of goal proved decisive as they established a 4.1 (25) to 2.2 (14) lead at quarter-time.
Tasmania worked its way back into the contest during a high-scoring second quarter.
Lachlan Hay kicked two important goals, while Bradley Cox-Goodyer, Zach Adams and Jack Callinan all added majors.
However, the Bombers consistently found answers through Liam McMahon, Nik Cox, Jayden Nguyen, Thomas Edwards and Jade Gresham. At half-time, Essendon held a 9.3 (57) to 7.7 (49) advantage.
The match remained in the balance through much of the third term.
Cameron Owen and Brandon Leary kicked crucial goals for Tasmania, while Essendon wrestled back control through Liam McMahon, Jade Gresham and Tyler Sellers.
The Bombers extended their lead to 12.8 (80) to 9.11 (65) by the final break.
Tasmania continued to fight in the last quarter and reduced the margin briefly through Maddox Iverach.
However, Essendon’s class shone through in the closing stages as Jade Gresham kicked two final-quarter goals and Matt Guelfi added another to put the result beyond doubt.
Despite late resistance from the Devils, the Bombers finished strongly to secure a 27-point victory.
The Devils won several key statistical categories and competed strongly throughout the afternoon.
Tasmania finished with more disposals, marks, hit-outs and clearances, while Bailey Boag was outstanding through the midfield with 40 disposals and eight clearances. Cameron Owen also battled hard in the ruck with 33 hit-outs and 11 clearances.
Robbie Fox continued his outstanding season with 21 disposals and seven marks, while Geordie Payne gathered 20 disposals.
Lachlan Hay finished as Tasmania’s only multiple goal scorer with two majors, while Zach Adams, Jack Callinan, Bradley Cox-Goodyer, Jack Dolliver, Jed Hagan, Maddox Iverach, Brandon Leary and Oscar Paprotny all contributed goals.
For Essendon, Jade Gresham proved the difference with four goals, while Liam McMahon added three. Zak Johnson and Elijah Tsatas were influential through the midfield, combining for 64 disposals, while Will Setterfield and Jackson Hately provided strong support around stoppages.
The result brought an end to a remarkable inaugural season for the Tasmania Devils.
After securing a top-four finish and earning a double chance in their first VFL campaign, the Devils established themselves as a genuine finals contender and laid a strong foundation for future success.
While the Devils fell short of a Preliminary Final berth, their inaugural campaign featured a top-four finish, a double chance in the finals series, and valuable experience that will serve the club well in the years ahead.
2026 VFL Semi Final
Tasmania 2.2 7.7 9.11 10.14 (74)
Essendon 4.1 9.3 12.8 15.11 (101)
GOALS
Tasmania: Hay 2, Adams, Callinan, Cox-Goodyer, Dolliver, Hagan, Iverach, Leary, Paprotny
Essendon: Gresham 4, McMahon 3, Edwards 2, Guelfi 2, Nguyen 2, Cox, Sellers
BEST
Tasmania: Boag, Owen, Fox, Hay
Essendon: Gresham, Johnson, Tsatas, McMahon
Crowd: 8,012 at North Hobart Oval