Tasmania Senior Academy team to change against Port Melbourne VFLW
The Devils team which beat Norwood in Tasmania’s first state academy women’s footy match must be slashed by two players and it has given coach Jodie Clifford plenty of headaches. Here’s why.
Tasmania coach Jodie Clifford faces the unenviable task of cutting her winning Devils team down to 16 on field players for their clash second academy clash with VFLW club Port Melbourne at UTas Stadium on Saturday.
The Devils are full of confidence going into the match after their stunning comeback win over SANFL club Norwood at the Twin Ovals 10 days ago.
Port Melbourne will be another strong opponent.
The Borough finished sixth on the ladder last year, won its first final over Box Hill Hawks and went out in the second round of finals with a loss to the Western Bulldogs.
Clifford was full of praise for her team after their courageous three-point win over the Red Legs.
The team received a good assessment from the Devils coaching staff.
“The girls have gotten some feedback from both their line coaches and from me, and we will look to apply what we took out of the Norwood game this week,” Clifford said.
“There will also be a bit of a structural change going in. We played 18 and five (interchange) against Norwood.
“In the VFL they only play 16-a -side, so that will change things for us a little bit.
“We obviously have to lose two players, which is a big thing.
‘We will have a look at that.
“UTas Stadium is a big ground and we will need some runners, so there will just be some prep for that across the week.”
While gun runner Perri King has recovered in time from a knee injury against Norwood, Clifford has the hard decision of selecting which players miss out.
“It’s always hard to change a winning outfit so to take a couple out of that is a really hard coaching decision,” Clifford said.
“Those conversations will be had on Tuesday and Wednesday, and I’ll inform the girls of the 18 to 16 change, because some of them may not be aware.
“That will have to be factored into our squad selections, and I will have some individual conversations with those girls who will be impacted by that.”
Originally published as Tasmania Senior Academy team to change against Port Melbourne VFLW
Hinkley lands major TV role in coaching gap year
Done deal? Crows could soon unveil new Nicks contract
The Newcastle club inspiring AFL dreams in NRL heartland
Top Crow reveals why Stevens got the nod as Roo’s replacement
‘S*** hit the fan’: Clarry breaks silence on Dees exit
