The finals dream has ended for the Tasmania Devils in their inaugural VFL season, going down by 27 points in a slippery match against Essendon in North Hobart.
Essendon got to a strong start early in the match, though the Devils worked to narrow the gap to just 8 points going in to the second half.
However, the Dons, who were on a seven-game win streak, proved too strong to overcome, finishing with 101 points to the Devils’ 74.
Tasmanians came out in droves despite the wet weather to cheer on the Devils at North Hobart Oval. (ABC News: Kate Nickels)
Speaking after the game, Tasmania Devils ruckman Cam Owen said it was a disappointing way to end the season.
“But I suppose behind that is a massive feeling of gratitude. Just really grateful for the opportunity we got this year and really proud of the boys as well for the season that we had,” Owen said.
Cam Owen says the disappointment will not last long, making way for the pride the club feels. (ABC News)
“We just weren’t brave enough with the ball and lacked that bit of polish going forward, which, against the AFL-aligned teams, especially when they have 18 of them, they just make you pay for that.”
A year ago, the club had no players or playing jumper, and was working hard to convince players from across the country to make the jump to the southern state.
The Dons, who were on a seven-game winning streak, proved too strong to overcome for the Devils. (ABC News: Kate Nickels)
Owen said the club would continue to hold its head high, seeing what it had achieved.
“Twelve months ago we didn’t have a team.
“Now it’s turned into a top-four finish and packing out home crowds and taking it up to the competition.”
He said the team’s “grit and determination” was “second to none”.
“I don’t think we lose any fans after playing each week because we show that really Tassie brand of footy.”
The Devils played to a sellout crowd. (ABC News: Kate Nickels)
Optimism on dreary day
As gates opened at North Hobart on Saturday, the enthusiasm from fans decked out in green, donning raincoats and racing to get undercover seats, wasn’t to be dampened.
Lee and Lucy Edwards have full confidence the Devils have what it takes to get a win over the Bombers. (ABC News: Kate Nickels)
For Lee and Lucy Edwards, there was nowhere else they would rather have been.
“I don’t care — rain, hail or shine, let’s go,” Ms Edwards said before the match.
“We played really well earlier in the year in York park when it rained cats and dogs, and we got over the line there.”
Mr Edwards said for the club to make it this far in their first season was an achievement in itself.
“For a new team, this is fantastic. Tassie go on, come on!”
Decked out in her beanie and wet weather gear, Devils fan Ann Sigley was hoping she had a secret weapon with her in the stands — a bear in hand-knitted kit, named “mini Rum’un”.
She said it took her four days to make the mini mascot, which is just one in her AFL collection.
Ann Sigley spent several months making a little Rum’un to show support for the Devils. (ABC News: Kate Nickels)
Tasmania Devils daring to dream
“He shouts loud,” she said, with a smile. “Goes up in the air a few times.”
Among the sea of green, there were a few flickers of red and black. One of the brave Bombers supporters was Wynyard man Manassa Walker.
He said he was feeling confident going into the match, with the Essendon side including 18 AFL listed players, including former Devil, Jackson Artemis.
Manassa Walker from Wynyard is not scared to be surrounded by a sea of green and hopes the Bombers come away with a win. (ABC News: Kate Nickels)
Mr Walker said, with a few Wynyard boys in the Tassie side he would also be barracking for them, but ultimately he was a “bomber at heart”.
It was a similar sentiment shared by James Rogerson, who, wearing a Devils jumper and a Bombers scarf, was in for a win either way.
“I think football wins for the day,” he said.
The dreary weather wasn’t enough to stop droves of passionate supporters attending the clash. (ABC News: Kate Nickels)
He said the Devils making it into a semi final, played at home, was a feat in itself.
“It’s well above expectations, I think.
“They’re doing really well. They’ve really gelled together as a team after only one pre-season together. I think they’re doing really well.”
The Davis family rugged up for the wet weather so they could cheer on the Devils. (ABC News: Kate Nickels)
For the young Davis family, watching their team was the perfect way to start the morning.
Daughter Sophie said she never doubted that the Devils would make it to to the semi finals.
“Of course. They’re the Devils!”
Sophie Davis is among the thousands of Tasmanians supporting the Devils at North Hobart Oval today. (ABC News: Kate Nickels)