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Tassie to join VFL in 2026 with multiple AFL rookie list guarantees
SEN • September 5th, 2025 4:05 pm
The Tasmania Devils will officially join the VFL and VFL full-time for the 2026 season ahead of their planned AFL debut in 2028.
Home fixtures are set to be staged across Tasmania’s three regions, giving members and supporters the chance to see the Devils in action on home soil.
Club CEO Brendon Gale was thrilled to announce the news on Friday afternoon.
“Our entry into the VFL and VFLW is an exciting and strategic step in the development of Tasmania Football Club. It 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,” Gale said via a statement.
“It also addresses a long-standing gap in the Tasmanian football pathway. For too long, players have had to leave the state to pursue elite opportunities. This program allows Tasmanian talent to develop, perform and be rewarded – right here at home.”
Alongisde their VFL announcement, Tasmania are set to introduce a ‘golden ticket’ for aspiring AFL and AFLW players.
The club confirmed that at least two rookie list positions will be guaranteed for players who participate in the VFL and VFLW programs across 2026 and 2027, with up to four a possibility.
“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,” said Gale.
Tasmania last played in the VFL in the 2008 season. While it was initially believed that Tasmania would only play against AFL reserves sides in 2026, their entry into the competition could see the league consist of 23 teams in 2026.
The league had 21 sides for the 2025 season, but with St Kilda set to have their own reserves side, allowing Sandringham to go standalone, the Saints and Devils will be the new additions for next campaign.
Aaron Pidgeon will serve as the club's head of VFL and VFLW Football. He previously served as North Melbourne's Head of Tasmania.
