Devonport stormed into the McDonald's NPL Tasmania post-season Grand Final with a 3-0 win at South Hobart.
Having seen off third-placed Kingborough in last week’s Qualifying Final, Tom Ballantyne’s runners-up were equally ruthless against the recently-crowned champions.
Two goals in five first-half minutes saw Strikers seize control of Sunday’s Semi-Final. Jordan Payne poached the first on the half hour before reliable veteran Brody Denehey stole in at the far post to double the visitors’ advantage.
Josh Tollervey’s 24th goal of a prolific season wrapped up the win 10 minutes from time.
In the other Semi-Final, Kingborough bounced back from their previous week’s loss by beating Elimination Final winners Launceston City 5-0.
A rare brace from captain Eli Luttmer, rocket from Joel Badger and a goal against his old club for Noah Mies set up a win which was sealed by sub Tristen Galt in the last minute.
City’s loss brought an end to Daniel Syson’s time in charge of the team, the 2025 NPL coach of the year having announced his intention to leave at the end of their season.
Lions will next face South Hobart in next weekend’s Preliminary Final for the right to face Devonport who will enjoy a week off before the series decider.
In the McDonald's Women's Super League, Glenorchy’s run of seven consecutive wins came to an end but a 1-1 draw with Launceston United was still enough to secure the runners-up spot.
Talented winger Eve Swan put Knights ahead but Lucy Smith’s equaliser on the stroke of half-time earned United a share of the points.
Champions-in-waiting Devonport underlined their third-straight league and cup double with a comprehensive 7-2 defeat of traditional rivals South Hobart.
Abbie White scored twice with Whitney Knight, Jaz White, Asuka Doi, Lucy Foote and Madeline Payne completing Strikers’ 22nd win from 23 games this season. Francesca Johnstone and Sami Watkins replied for South.
English import Hannah Walsh claimed her 21st goal of the season as Kingborough edged closer to third place with a 4-0 win at Riverside.
Amy Ollington, Hannah Blackman and Anna Fewkes also found the net while Olympic’s goal drought stretched to six games with Meg Connolly twice hitting the crossbar and missing a penalty.
Taroona pulled away from seventh-placed Launceston City with a 3-0 victory at Kelvedon Park.
Emily Funseth put the Pirates ahead before an Olivia Bekeleski brace completed the team’s sixth win of the campaign.