News

THE Tasmanian Devils again fell victim to the dreaded fourth-quarter fadeout as they slumped to an 18.12 (120) to 13.13 (91) loss to North Ballarat in the VFL at Ballarat yesterday.

Leading by a point at three-quarter time the Devils could only manage two goals in the final quarter, while North Ballarat rattled on seven.

It came a week after the Devils were buried by an 11-goal final quarter Geelong avalanche at Bellerive.

And it was the first time North Ballarat had scored more than 100 points in their 12 meetings with Tasmania.

Devils coach Daryn Cresswell was at a loss for a reason for his side's inability to snatch victory when it was there for the taking.

"It's the third time it's happened this season," Cresswell said.

"It's a real concern and something we have to look at.

"I'm not sure if it is a fitness or a mental thing. We just didn't give a yell when we needed to," he said.

Cresswell admitted his defence was another problem area.

The Devils struggled all day dealing with the aerial dominance of 200cm forward Orren Stephenson and his 199cm partner Tristan Cartledge.

"Our defence today was appalling. Our strength is bringing the ball to ground and running it out but that just didn't happen and that's something we need to look at this week.

"But nevertheless we played some good, exciting football today", he said.

The Devils were fortunate to be in a winning position at the final break after trailing by 24 points early in the third quarter.

They were dragged back into the game by a sizzling quarter from rookie Brodie Moles, who sparked his side back into gear with some superb running and disposal -- and he kicked three goals for the quarter.

"Brodie was good today but he has to learn that football is not a one-quarter game", Cresswell said.

"But this is his first year and he will improve and mature."

Recruit Paul Koulouriotis chalked up 39 possessions in a non-stop performance and ruckman Brad Moran was outstanding at the centre bounces and was busy around the ground.

Cresswell signalled changes for the Devils next match against Frankston at Aurora Stadium on Saturday night with Sam Whish-Wilson and Ben Ross both expected to return.

"We will continue to keep making changes until we find the right mix, "Cresswell said.