OFF-SEASONS can often be the catalyst for in-season success, and several state league clubs will hope that is the case in 2026. In a new series on Rookie Me Central, we highlight some of the most exciting recruitment drives from around the country. Next up is the newly formed Tasmania Devils VFL side.

>> RECRUITMENT DRIVE: East Perth | Sandringham | St Kilda | South Adelaide | Subiaco

The inaugural squad comprises of 48 players under head coach Jeromey Webberley, with the club preparing for its AFL entry in 2028. Recruiters have plucked prospects from far and wide, but remain true to the state the bulk of the squad comprised of local talent and returning natives.

Several factors helped shape the build. The first was to field a competitive lineup and honour the famous map at VFL level. The ability to provide a pathway for Tasmanian talent would also have been at the forefront of thinking, along with the potential to uncover potential foundation AFL players.

The Devils have had their 2026 season-opener locked in, with a clash against Coburg slated for March 21 at North Hobart Oval. Before they take the field for what will be a historic fixture, we break down what makes up the inaugural Tasmania Devils VFL squad across several categories.

>> FULL SQUAD: The inaugural Tasmania Devils VFL team

EX-AFL (7):

Hugh Dixon, Robbie Fox, Jye Menzie, Caleb Mitchell, Cameron Owen, Geordie Payne, Sam Siggins

Barring Caleb Mitchell, all of Tasmania’s ex-AFL listed players are natives of the state. The former Sydney wingman, who played three AFL games before being delisted last year, is among a trio of Swans-turned-Devils. 21-year-old ruck Cameron Owen returns home after two years with Footscray, while Robbie Fox brings the most AFL experience of any squad member after his 105-game career.

Along with Mitchell, former Essendon goalsneak Jye Menzie and ex-Roo Geordie Payne enter the VFL system fresh off AFL delistings. Both were mid-season rookie selections, with Menzie booting 36 goals in 47 games, while Payne was taken with pick one and managed three appearances for North Melbourne.

One of the most dominant state league key forwards, Hugh Dixon continues his well-travelled career. After kicking 51 goals in 18 games for Southport last year, he will hope to earn another AFL chance having previously been listed by Fremantle and West Coast. Sam Siggins, who has become a state stalwart, also spent three seasons with Adelaide after being drafted in 2012.

INTERSTATE COUPS (7):

Jaxon Artemis (South Fremantle), Nelson Beikoff-Smart (Suns Academy), Jed Hagan (East Fremantle), Lachlan Hay (Riddell/North Hobart), Maddox Iverach (Suns Academy), Yor Nyanjok (Circular Head), Nick Williams (Southport)

A pair of decorated juniors enter the Tasmanian ranks via Western Australia. East Fremantle product Jed Hagan was one of the country’s most highly touted youngsters at one stage and has since forged a state league career which took him to Port Adelaide’s reserves. Meanwhile, Jaxon Artemis makes the move from South Fremantle after taking out WA’s Under 18 MVP award in 2024.

Several Gold Coast Suns Academy members will venture south. Nelson Beikoff-Smart and Maddox Iverach are recent graduates, with the former also racking up 26 VFL appearances over the last two years. Tall defender Nick Williams was once part of the Suns pathway and lands in Tasmania via Southport. He was born on the Apple Isle but moved to Queensland when he was 14.

A couple more intriguing signings round out the interstate selections. The Devils have plucked Lachlan Hay out of country footy in Victoria. The 18-year-old was overlooked by Talent League region Calder, but impressed at local level in a premiership year for Riddell. Yor Nyanjok also made the cut via Victoria, but has already spent a year at Circular Head and looms as a potential hidden gem.

STATE STALWARTS (15):

Harry Bayles (North Launceston/Glenorchy), Bailey Boag (Burnie), Jacob Boyd (Launceston), Kai Cameron (Devonport), Brad Cox-Goodyer (North Launceston/Latrobe), Darcy Gardner (Brighton), Theo Ives (North Launceston), Brandon Leary (North Launceston), Tyler McGinnis (North Hobart), Baxter Norton (Clarence), Oscar Papronty (Clarence), Baker Smith (Glenorchy), Michael Stingel (North Launceston), Archie Wilkinson (Hillwood), Joshua Wolfe (Wynyard)

There is a distinct local flavour to Tasmania’s squad, with a host of local players showing their loyalty to the state – and vice-versa. The likes of Bailey Boag, Tyler McGinnis, Jacob Boyd, and Michael Stingel have already debuted at VFL level with North Melbourne, while Baker Smith had experience at Northern Bullants.

Arguably the face of the state stalwarts is Brad Cox-Goodyer. The 32-year-old comes with a wealth of experience, laying claim to three TSL best and fairest awards as perhaps the competition’s greatest ever player. The North Launceston legend has recently signed with Latrobe, and will offer invaluable guidance to the younger crop of Devils.

PRODIGAL SONS (5):

Zac Adams (Central District), Jack Callinan (Central District), Sam Green (Northern Bullants), Will Splann (South Adelaide), Nathaniel Sulzberger (North Melbourne VFL)

A handful of prodigal sons, on top of those who have returned from AFL ventures, land on Tassie’s inaugural VFL list. Former Central District pair Zac Adams and Jack Callinan come off successful SANFL stints, along with fellow Talent League graduate Will Splann.

Callinan is the son of Ian, who played 109 VFL games for Tassie before reaching AFL level with Adelaide. Jack paved his way as a small forward and was part of the AFL Academy in his draft year, but has since showcased his versatility at senior level with a move to defence.

Sam Green is another player off Tasmania’s Talent League production line. Originally from Clarence, he most recently played six VFL games for the now defunct Northern Bullants. Midfielder Nathaniel Sulzberger is officially back, too, after spending most of the last few years in Victoria. He boarded at school there and linked with the Sandringham Dragons before moving on to North Melbourne’s VFL side.

TALENT LEAGUE GRADUATES (14):

2025: Jarvis Breen, Oliver Depaoli-Kubank, Khalen Matthews, Rylee McHenry, Jack Miller, Max Roney, Lucas Wootton, Charlie Meadows (Geelong Falcons), Rory Wright (Sandringham Dragons)

2024: Harry Brereton, Daniel Cooney, Harry Elmer, Max Geappen, Max Mapley

A host of local prospects will continue to represent Tasmania under the Devils moniker, fresh out of the Talent League. Most recently, midfielder Lucas Wootton and forward Jack Miller were among the Allies setup, while Oliver Depaoli-Kubank played a full representative carnival back in 2024.

Inside bull Rylee McHenry captained the Devils last year and has plenty of strong traits to suit state league level. One of the Devils’ best signings came from outside their region, picking up Rory Wright from Sandringham. The midfielder-turned-defender was considered unlucky not to be drafted after an outstanding end to his top-age campaign.

Geelong Falcons product Charlie Meadows is another Talent League player to arrive from outside Tasmania. The Devils have kept tabs on recent graduates too, with the likes of Max Geappen, former Devils leader Harry Elmer, and developing tall Max Mapley among the class of 2024.