LEADING Tasmanian prospect Jasper Hay has long been slated as the state’s top talent for 2025, but is in store for some changes in 2025. The 199cm key position utility looks set for a move to defence having spent most of his juniors with the Devils as a ruck, where he was an Under 16 All-Australian in 2023.

Hay went on to play 11 Coates League games as a bottom-ager and was subsequently named in the National Academy. While the sole Tasmanian in that group, he was also one of just two Devils to make it into the Allies’ preseason training camp. We spoke to Hay at Tassie’s preseason testing event on Sunday.

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PRESEASON Q&A

Q: Jasper, what are some of your earliest memories of football and getting started with the sport?

JH: I started really early when I was about seven, and that was with Auskick. Then I quickly went on to play for Clarence and have played there my whole life, up until today. I got the opportunity to play in the Under 16s carnival for the Devils and I won the [Tasmania] MVP, which was great recognition. From there, as a bottom-ager with the Devils in [Coates Talent League] we played a good season, got to the finals but got eliminated quite early. Now I’m [part of] the AFL Academy, Allies, and Devils, so can hopefully have a good season for all of them.

Q: Who has had the most influence on your career? 

JH: I’d have to say my Mum. She’s been a big support for me all along my journey. Nick Davey has been a great coach for me growing up, all through Clarence. And a couple of my basketball coaches, Shellie [Wilton] and Charlotte [Collins], have been helping me along the way as well.

Q: What has the AFL Academy experience been like for you?

JH: It’s definitely a surprise. You don’t think you’re ready for it but it’s great to get that recognition being in the Academy and Allies. Being seen by people all over the country and being in that elite environment, it’s very good.

Q: How has your preseason been?

JH: It’s been a pretty clean slate. It’s good to get back in after a little Christmas break and get back into football. I’ve just had surgery on my wisdom teeth so I had a couple weeks off for that, but now I’m getting back into the groove, which has been good.

Q: What kind of role or position will you play this year?

JH: Me and ‘Jez’ (Jeromey Webberley) have talked about transitioning me down to a half-back role. So in preseason I’ve been working on that. Obviously I’ll still play a bit of ruck, but transitioning down back for this season.

Q: How would you describe yourself as a player?

JH: I’d say I’m more of a quiet player, but I lead by example. I put my 100 per cent into everything and leadership, to be a role model.

Q: What are some of the strengths in your game?

JH: I’d definitely say my athletic profile. For my height I can run and jump pretty well, and also my follow-up game on the ground is pretty good. 

Q: Are there any areas you’re still looking to improve on?

JH: Definitely. My kicking has been a big one. I spoke to ‘Jez’ about it as well. It’s more of a repetition thing, and obviously transitioning down back I need different kicks than to a ruck, so we’ve been practicing them and getting my reps in on that.

Q: Which AFL club do you support?

JH: I support the Hawks… probably because my family. My Dad and his Dad have gone for them so it just runs in the family.

Q: Is there a player you look up to mould your game on?

JH: Harris Andrews is probably one, but there’ll probably be a couple he’s one.

Q: What are some of the goals you’ve set for the year?

JH: The goal I’ve set for myself is to just give it my all and train my hardest. Then hopefully with the Devils and Allies we can go as far as possible.

Q: Which teammate should we look out for to have a big season?

JH: I’d probably say either Jade Clark or Rylee McHenry. They’re both probably under the radar as such, but they’re definitely very good players to be on the look for.