Tasmania Devils’ inaugural VFL season is over after a 101-74 semi-final loss to Essendon at a wet North Hobart Oval on Saturday.
A crowd of 8,012 watched the Devils fall in straight sets, having also lost to Geelong 89-66 in last week’s qualifying final.
The Devils trailed 25-14 at quarter time but fought back to close within eight points at the main break, with Essendon leading 57-49.
The Bombers pulled away in the second half, extending their lead to 15 points at three-quarter time before running out comfortable 27-point winners.
Lachlan Hay led the way for the Devils with two goals, while Bailey Boag topped the disposal count for the match.
The game was a physical affair, littered with scraps throughout.
Tasmania finished fourth in the regular season, earning two shots at finals in the club’s first VFL campaign.
Essendon, bolstered by 18 AFL-listed players, proved too strong in the end.
Despite the early exit, the Devils’ first VFL season delivered plenty of memorable moments as the club continues to build towards future campaigns.
