Tasmania’s Devils are gearing up for a massive doubleheader at North Hobart Oval on Saturday, with both the VFL and VFLW teams facing top four opponents in what shapes as a finals preview.
The men will take on second-placed Werribee from 11:05am before the women face Carlton from 2:35pm, with the club celebrating Member Appreciation Round.
Coach Jeromey Webberley is hoping for a big turnout to back both sides.
“Hopefully a really big crowd. I know the players get up and about for it with a big crowd so obviously really important game so we can’t wait to see everyone here,” Webberley said.
He said the club’s supporter base has been remarkable in its first season.
“Our support across all regions within our state, but then across the eastern seaboard of Australia has been outstanding,” he said.
“Like even on the weekend up in Sydney, like we outnumbered Swans supporters probably three to one, to be honest.”
“So the support and the reach of the club is outstanding and it sort of amazes you every time you go away.”
Devils forward Jed Hagan echoed those sentiments.
“There’s a lot of excitement at the club, there’s a fair bit on the line,” Hagan said.
“Our fans have been awesome all year and have really turned out for our first season.”
Tasmania sits sixth on the VFL ladder after last week’s 30-point win over Sydney, where Hagan kicked five goals and vice-captain Jye Menzie added four.
Werribee have won nine straight since the two sides played out a draw in round 7, but Hagan is confident.
“Our game’s been in pretty good order for the last six weeks. We know it stacks up in big matches,” he said.
“There’s a fair bit of confidence amongst the group that our game is good enough to match it with the best.”
A win would all but lock in a historic finals berth in the club’s first season.
“We’re not going to shy away from it; we’re embracing the next few weeks,” Hagan said.
The VFLW side is also pushing for finals after recording their largest ever win, beating Essendon by 40 points last week.
The eighth-placed Devils need to win their last four games to realistically make the top six, with fourth-placed Carlton posing a stern test on Saturday.
Key forward Ava Read kicked a season-high five goals last week, while Ellie Hall has collected 20 or more disposals in each of her past three games.
Coach Georgia Walker will need to replace Libby Haines, who ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament last week.
Both games will be shown live on Channel 7 and Kayo.
