A massive double-header between Devonport and South Hobart will shape the top of both Statewide competitions this weekend.
The McDonald’s Women’s Super League encounter unites two teams with 100 per cent records while the first-versus-third clash in NPL Tasmania comes just a few weeks after South edged a seven-goal Lakoseljac Cup quarter-final thriller.
In the WSL, both teams have conceded just two goals from five games with Devonport sitting top, by virtue of 28 goals scored compared to South’s 22.
With the sides potentially meeting again at the same venue in the Statewide Cup final, a new-look Valley Road looks set to host a Tasmanian Classico at 12.15pm.
“That’s probably a good way of describing it,” said Devonport coach Tom Ballantyne. “Probably a bit more physical!”
South assistant coach James Symmons agreed the match-up was a superb showcase for Tasmanian women’s football.
“What a great way to celebrate Female Football Week with a top-of-the-table clash,” he said.
“Really looking forward to it, it’s going to be a great challenge.”
South left-back Ruby Batchelor said the fixture is eagerly anticipated by the players.
“It’s always very challenging but as a team that’s something we all look forward to,” she said. “We like the physicality and the mental side of it. It’s a good push for us as a team.
“It’s always a challenge going up against Devonport but as a collective we’re all so excited and ready to go head-to-head with them.
“There’s definitely a rivalry, I don’t know whether I’d say it’s good but it’s good for the atmosphere definitely! Sometimes it can bring out the worst in us, but I think that brings out the best play.”
Both teams have amassed an impressive six hat-tricks already this season, half of South’s coming from ex-Striker Jaz White who is averaging a phenomenal two goals per game.
Symmons said White is excited about returning to her former club.
“It’s a really big game for Jaz and she’s really excited for it - we’ve got a police guard her, so that’ll be alright," he joked.
"It’s a real personal motivator for her.”
Just over two hours later, Ballantyne will turn his attention to Strikers’ men’s team who will be keen to avenge last month’s dramatic cup exit at the hands of Max Clarke’s team.
“I think Max has done a great job there,” Ballantyne said.
“They play out from the back. Max is obviously a fan of (Brighton and Marseilles coach Roberto) De Zerbi in how they build up play and try and transition and we’ve worked a lot on how we try and prevent that from happening and limit the space behind us.”
With 10-0 and 8-0 wins under their belt, South’s only dropped points came in a 2-2 draw with Launceston City and Clarke is cherishing his team’s invincibility.
“We want to go through the first round of games unbeaten, we’re one game away from doing that and it just so happens to be against Devonport, so we’re going to be motivated and hoping we can get points,” he said.
“These games are always tough. Devonport will always be thereabouts challenging, and for us these games are always exciting.”
The fixture brings together two free-scoring teams with contrasting striking options.
Unusually, Devonport have already suffered two defeats in the first round of fixtures but are finding the net with regularity. A product of Launceston City’s youth structure who developed as a target man at Melbourne City, the lanky Declan Zasadny has hit five goals and impressed his coach.
“Dec’s really improved this season,” Ballantyne said. “We’ve been working really hard trying to improve aspects of his game, how he runs and where he moves to and we’ve been really pleased with his development so far.”
Meanwhile, Kobe Kemp’s six goals have all come in the last four league games and the reigning golden boot is adjusting well since returning to South from Kingborough.
“Top professional, Kobe,” Clarke said. “I was desperate to sign him. I reckon I caught up with him 10 times before he finally committed a lot of coffees later, but I’m really grateful that he’s come on board. He provides so much in terms of his quality on the field and leadership off it.
“He’s super versatile. When I signed him he said ‘I’m happy to play centre-back, full-back, 6, 10, 9 … wherever I’m needed for the team. It was never about him wanting to come back and be The Man. He said he wants to provide for the team and help us challenge and win titles and what more could you ask for?
“I think he’s still got a lot more to give. In two months’ time he’ll be twice the player he is now and that’s exciting for the league as well.”
The men’s match kicks off at 2.30pm.
NPL Tasmania, Round 7
Saturday, May 10
2.30pm Devonport v South Hobart, Valley Road
2.30pm Clarence v Kingborough, Wentworth Park
4.45pm Launceston City v Riverside Olympic, Prospect Park
4.45pm Glenorchy v Launceston United, KGV
Women’s Super League, Round 7
Saturday, May 10
12.15pm Devonport v South Hobart, Valley Road
2.30pm Taroona v Riverside Olympic, Kelvedon Park
2.30pm Glenorchy v Launceston United, KGV
Bye: Kingborough