A small group of Devils headed to Austin for the second week in a row and participate in a different format of footy with thanks to the Crows.

Game 1 – Austin v Devils
We started with a half of Devils v Austin, with 3 debutants taking to the field – Jacob (son of Jeff), Leo (BF of Jess) and Luke (the palest man award winner). The result was as expected in the first game, with the Division 1 champs kicking true and scoring rapidly, however the scoreboard did not reflect the Devils performance, with some of the best games we’ve seen some of our players play. It may be the better competition that drove us, following them to the correct positions, keeping up with their run and link up style or staying close to experienced players as they lead and teaching out players a few things along the way. The Crows remarked how impressed they were with the Devils efforts from such a comparatively inexperienced team.

Huge efforts from our stalwarts, Marcus, Willy, Kyle Bass and more with Brian, D Mase, Austen and Gleeson all taking turns in the ruck against Nolan Cox (brother of Mason). Daniel C showed off his athletism and is growing to be a formidable footballer and Larry showed his considerable improvement this year with attack on the ball, a couple marks and physical offensive and defensive style – earning him a stint in the middle.

Huge thanks to the Austin players who joined the Devils and performed brilliantly, not holding back against their regular teammates – Paul, Poncho and Kiwi.

Final Score:
Austin 11.10.76 def Devils 1.1.7

Game 2 – Coed Game
A mix of the Devils women and men played an Austin coed team in a competitive style development match. Around 20 players took to the field with Jess, Liv and Ash representing our female squad and all improving game to game. Jess continues to attack the ball and getting plenty of touches, Liv shows her experience and tackle style of game and Ash “I dont want to play contact” is learning how to throw her body into tackles and physical attack on the ball and opposition. It was an opportunity for more minutes for the debutants too, and some of the Devils men who were suckers for punishment in the heat with another game to come.

Score from this game will be updated soon.

Game 3 – Mixed teams development match
The Devils and Crows did a mini draft, splitting the teams evenly and mixing players from both clubs. This game was invaluable for our learning and development as a squad – the opportunity to play alongside some of the best in the USAFL and hearing their talk, following instruction and linking up with handballs and solid ball delivery to our leads. I truly believe in this game every player lifted and put in a solid performance and it goes to show the more talent athletically, skillfully and with experience that we play with the better we can all become.

Gleeson led hard and had plenty of scoring opportunities with 1.3 and Will managed a goal from a few shots on the run and set shots. Marcus thrived in the mixed game, as did both Daniels. Brian played on the Crows side and was praised for his efforts in the ruck. Kyle Bass was a welcome addition to the midfield, and played across the ground, his crumbing around the packs improving game by game.

This game proved how far we have come, but also how far we have to go. We thank the Austin Crows for spending the time with us and splitting the teams to support our development.

Only a couple weeks to go until Regionals (RSVP on the events page!) and NEW LOCATION for Monday training the next couple weeks – Glencoe Park in Dallas. Thursdays will remain at Old Shepard in Plano.

See you tomorrow!

James