JUST like last season, the Devils hope the arrival of the HighMarks teenagers will inspire them to victory.
The 12 14-16-year-olds, selected for their ability to overcome adversity and their leadership skills, started their four-day program with the Devils yesterday and will feature in everything the side does as it prepares for the match against ladder-leader the Northern Bullants at Bellerive on Saturday.
Devils coach Mathew Armstrong said last season's group lifted his team to its first victory of the year.
"It gave my senior group of players another look at footy and the responsibility they have in the community looking after young guys,'' Armstrong said.
"It is an important game for us this week and they will have the opportunity to see the build-up for a very big game.
"This team [the Bullants] is rated probably the premiership side in the competition at the moment.
"They are on top. We have lost our last two and we want to be where they are.''
The group will do weights, participate in team meetings, training and sit in the coaches' box on game day.
"But what is said in the coaching box stays in the coaching box. I don't want to see it on the front page of the newspapers,'' Armstrong told the group.
But even more importantly, the boys will also do a road safety course.
Tasmania Police assistant commissioner Scott Tilyard said there were similarities between driving and football.
"It is not just about having the right knowledge and skills, it is also about having the right attitude,'' he said.
"So it is not just being a good footballer. It is having the right attitude towards the game and your teammates and it is exactly the same thing when you are driving on the road.''
Two will be selected from the group to undergo the same program with Hawthorn later in the year.
By: BRETT STUBBS
Last Modified on 25/05/2006 15:51