The GIANTS’ VFL season is over after they were unable to pull off a final round upset over Tasmania, falling by 39 points to the visiting Devils at Tom Wills Oval on Sunday. 

Entering the final game of the season sitting outside of the top 10 in 11th spot, the math was simple for the GIANTS: win - or even a draw- and play finals: lose, and it’s season over.  

Sunday’s clash was also crucial for the visiting Devils who were looking to avoid an elimination final and book themselves a top four spot with a win.  

With so much on the line, in what was the first ever VFL clash between the GIANTS and Tasmania, it was the Devils who were at their damaging best for most of Sunday’s contest, with a big second term ultimately too much for the GIANTS to overcome as the visitors registered a clutch 15.14 (104) to 9.11 (65) win on the road. 

The high-stakes clash was played in a tough and tense fashion from the get-go which saw both sides unable to capitalise early, with just a single behind registered between the teams more than halfway through the first term.  

That soon changed though as the Devils started to fire at Tom Wills Oval, with Tassie kicking three of the four goals across the remainder of the opening term before piling through five unanswered goals to start the second term as their lead ballooned out to 45 points.  

After the GIANTS pegged a couple back through Conor Stone and Jake Riccardi to cut the lead to 33 at the main break, a back and forth third term saw both sides add four goals apiece to leave the GIANTS down by 29 and still within reach at the final break. 

Their hopes of a final-quarter comeback were given more oxygen to start the last quarter as skipper Ryan Hebron tried to inspire his side with an early major to cut the lead to just four goals with plenty of time to play. 

However the Devils were quick to end those hopes, and ultimately the GIANTS’ season, with Tasmania kicking a quick settler in return and then three of the final four goals of the game to keep the GIANTS at bay and register a clutch win on the road.  

The tough result for the GIANTS highlighted the incredibly congested nature of this year’s VFL competition, in which a different result for Robbie Chancellor’s side on Sunday would have taken them from 11th to their first ever top four VFL finish, and with that a double chance and a week off during next week’s Wildcard Round. Instead, it’s season over for the GIANTS and an eye towards 2027.  

Despite the tough loss there was a host of standout performances for the GIANTS on Sunday, with talented young midfielder Jack Ough (32 disposals, 10 clearances) a shining light, particularly in a red-hot first half which saw him collect 16 touches and eight clearances.  

Harvey Hooper (24 disposals, 10 clearances, one goal) was also brilliant as he closed out a starring debut season for the club, Harry Oliver (22 disposals, eight marks, five tackles) continued to provide drive from defence, while Riccardi (20 disposals, six marks, four clearances, nine hit outs, one goal) was a strong contributor spending time both in the ruck and up forward.  

Hebron (15 disposals, eight marks, 2.2) also capped off a strong 2026 campaign with a typically inspiring performance up forward alongside Lachlan Grubb (10 disposals, four tackles, three goals) who sparked a mini comeback in the third term with back-to-back majors.  

Kye Pfrengle (16 disposals, seven marks) and Nick Kelly (12 disposals, three marks) anchored the backline to round out really strong campaigns in defence, while Reeve Simmons (11 disposals, 40 hit outs, four tackles, four clearances) battled manfully in the ruck. 

Mitch Szybkowski (20 disposals, seven inside 50s) finished his season off well, Oskar Taylor (16 disposals, four marks) and Finn Davis (13 disposals, six marks) were solid behind the ball, while Ollie Hannaford (10 disposals, three tackles) provided a spark across half forward. 

VFL ROUND 21 

GIANTS: 1.2 3.5 7.11 9.11 (65) 

Devils: 3.3 8.8 12.10 15.14 (104) 

GOALKICKERS:  

GIANTS: Lachlan Grubb 3, Ryan Hebron 2, Jake Riccardi, Harvey Hooper, Hugo Birks, Conor Stone.  

Devils: Jack Dolliver 3, Lucas Wootten 2, Josh Wolfe 2, Harry Elmer 2, Jye Menzie, Brandon Leary, Maddox Iverach, Lachlan Hay, Jed Hagan, Bailey Boag