The next generation of Tasmania Devils prospects have held their own against the state's best in an intraclub match that didn't disappoint.
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Players in the under 17s squad took took to Twin Ovals against the NAB League side in a game AFL Tasmania North-West talent manager Jamie Hayward said showed the depth of talent across the state.
"It's certainly a bye product of what we've done, to see who right now would be in serious consideration for the 2022 squad but also identify areas for improvement and development," Hayward said.
"From a coaching perspective, we went into that game with those 24 kids that have never played together.
"So, not only did the players learn a lot but we learn a lot about the strengths and weaknesses of the players, and how we would line up - and it would be different to what we did."
The intraclub match comes after a month of disruptions to the NAB League season and cancellation of the under 17 national youth championships as a result of COVID restrictions.
The result - which went the NAB League side's way - wasn't one that came easy, Hayward said, with the under 17s side giving their all.
"The concern for us early was the way the under 19s started, that it could have become one way traffic, but it didn't turn out that way," he said.
"Even though the margin was considerable, we certainly think the passages of play and the way they competed made the day successful.
"That was ironically the one thing we wanted them to experience; we thought we might be a bit undersized physically and the pace of the game would be different.
"To be able to compete like they did was a credit to them and an experience that will benefit to no end."
With hopes of providing the under 17s a game against other states across the country, Hayward said players' commitments to growing was impressive.
"We talk about that willingness to listen and that environment we're trying to create isn't just about footy but about creating good people," he said.
"We want kids that are willing to listen and learn; they understand when we give them feedback the only reason we do that is for their development."