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I hope we spend the next couple of years in the VFL recruiting and developing young players we think can make the step up to AFL in 2028.

Richmond has had a very sucessful VFL program, and would make a good hunting ground imo.

I'd be targeting Harry Scott (though I think he gets drafted this year), Sam Toner and Massimo Raso as possible signings.
 
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05.09.2025

Tasmania Football Club to Enter VFL and VFLW in 2026

Tasmania Football Club members, get ready to cheer on your Devils. In 2026, the club will take a major step forward, fielding teams in both the Smithy’s Victorian Football League (VFL) and the rebel Victorian Football League Women’s (VFLW).

It will be Tasmania’s first return to the VFL as a state since 2008, and its inaugural entry into the VFLW. Both teams will compete on a full-time basis from 2026, with the state set to host VFL and VFLW opposition on a regular basis.

Fixtures will be confirmed in the coming months, with matches to be staged across Tasmania’s three regions, giving members and supporters the chance to see their club in action.

This historic step lays a vital foundation for Tasmania’s entry into the AFL and AFLW in 2028, while immediately strengthening the state’s talent pathway for both men and women.

In a landmark initiative, the club will introduce a ‘golden ticket’ for aspiring AFL and AFLW players. At least two rookie list positions will be guaranteed for players who participate in the VFL and VFLW programs across 2026 and 2027, with scope for up to four in total.

This opportunity is unmatched anywhere in the country and underscores the club’s commitment to rewarding and developing Tasmanian talent.

The introduction of VFL and VFLW programs fills a long-standing gap in Tasmania’s football structure, providing a crucial bridge for players to remain in the state while striving for higher honours. The initiative is expected to attract both returning Tasmanians and new players to the state.

Recruitment of coaches, high-performance staff, and players is already underway, with pre-season for both squads scheduled to begin in November.

From 2026, the program will hold regular statewide sessions while operating across multiple locations, including a combined greater northern hub, ahead of the opening of the club’s training and administration centre in Kingston.

This approach allows players to stay in their communities while competing at VFL and VFLW level. Every listed player will be linked to a Premier League club in either the NWFL, NTFA or SFL.

The club has also appointed Aaron Pidgeon, former Netball Tasmania CEO and Head of Tasmania for North Melbourne Football Club, as its inaugural Head of VFL and VFLW.

Pidgeon has commenced in the role and is actively establishing the program alongside Head of List Management and Strategy, Todd Patterson, and Head of Recruiting, Derek Hine.

Tasmania Football Club CEO, Brendon Gale, said:

“This is an exciting and strategic step in the development of our football club. Our entry into the VFL and VFLW marks the start of our on-field journey and plays a crucial role in laying the foundations for our AFL and AFLW teams in 2028.

“It also addresses a long-standing gap in the Tasmanian football pathway. For too long, local players have had to leave the state to pursue elite opportunities. This is the beginning of a new Tasmania Football Club pathway that allows Tasmanian talent to develop, perform and be rewarded – right here at home.

“It will also be the first time our members can cheer on their club in a competition, and we can’t wait for that.

“From 2026, Tasmania runs out as one. Our on-field story begins, and it belongs to every Tasmanian.

“The process of determining the right model for entry has taken time, but that’s been deliberate. This is important for Tasmania, and we wanted to make sure we did it the right way.”

On the golden ticket:

“The golden ticket is a clear and powerful statement of intent. We’re guaranteeing two rookie list spots for players who come through our VFL and VFLW programs.

“That opportunity doesn’t exist anywhere else in the country, and it sends a strong message: if you’re good enough and dedicated enough, Tasmania is the place to be.”

On Aaron Pidgeon’s appointment:

“We’re thrilled to welcome Aaron. He brings proven experience across both sport and business and understands the Tasmanian sporting landscape.
“His leadership will be vital as we build a high-performance environment around our VFL and VFLW programs.”

On the broader purpose:

“The Tasmania Football Club is about more than just fielding teams. It’s about building something enduring - an elite program Tasmanians can be proud of. A unifying force that develops talent and contributes meaningfully to the growth of football in our state.”
 

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05.09.2025

Tasmania to enter VFL and VFLW in 2026

The AFL has today confirmed the Tasmania Football Club will field teams in the Victorian Football League (VFL) and Victorian Football League Women’s (VFLW) in 2026.

Tasmania will join the competitions on a full-time basis from next season as the club continues preparations for entry into the AFL and AFLW after being awarded the 19th licence in 2023.

Tasmania previously competed in the VFL for eight seasons between 2001 to 2008.

The Devils will host VFL and VFLW home matches in Hobart and Launceston, with the possibility of also playing games in Penguin.

AFL Executive General Manager Football Performance, Greg Swann, said joining the VFL and VFLW was an exciting step forward for the Tasmania Football Club and its more than 210,000 foundation members.

“The Tasmania Devils continue to make great progress led by Chairman Grant O’Brien, CEO Brendon Gale, the board, and inaugural team members Kath McCann and Jack Riewoldt,” Swann said.

“More than 210,000 members have signed up and pledged their support, signifying great momentum and backing for the club. The introduction into the VFL and VFLW competitions is another milestone in the club’s short history.

“A clear component of the licence bid from the Tasmanian taskforce was a new roofed stadium at Macquarie Point with a capacity of at least 23,000. The AFL’s continued position is that this is a condition for the grant of the 19th licence.”

Tasmania Football Club CEO, Brendon Gale, said: “This is an exciting and strategic step in the development of our football club.

“Our entry into the VFL and VFLW marks the start of our on-field journey and plays a crucial role in laying the foundations for our AFL and AFLW teams.

“It also addresses a long-standing gap in the Tasmanian football pathway. For too long, local players have had to leave the state to pursue elite opportunities. This is the beginning of a new Tasmania Football Club pathway that allows Tasmanian talent to develop, perform and be rewarded – right here at home.

“It will also be the first time our members can cheer on their club in a competition, and we can’t wait for that.

“From 2026, Tasmania runs out as one. Our on-field story begins, and it belongs to every Tasmanian.”
 
Webberley it is…
 

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Kamdyn McIntosh and Jimmy Webster have been approached as potential recruits.
 
Why isn’t Hugh Dixon being discussed
 

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Testekill said:
Tasmanian lad and clearly too good to be playing state league football. Mature body too, seems like a no brainer as a signing for at least the VFL team.
Click to expand...

Not sure why he wasn’t first name mentioned perfect age bracket to lead the side
 
BlueMaster1 said:
Why isn’t Hugh Dixon being discussed
Click to expand...
Known Hugh for ages, he's definitely in the mix, but I'm not sure he's keen to leave "Sunny Queensland" lol
 
Bulldogs85 said:
Click to expand...

Big milestone for Tassie to sign their first player! How good that he's also a Tasmanian junior. I remember when we signed our first player (Charlie Dixon) and our small fanbase started getting excited about what it could mean. You guys even have some AFL highlights videos you can watch and discuss the role he may end up playing for the Devils in the future:

 

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