Tasmania Devils recruit eight top prospects for 2028 AFL debut
The club pre-listed eight top prospects and is negotiating with senior players for its 2028 AFL debut.
The club is building their squad for their 2028 AFL debut. The club pre-listed eight of Australia's best 17-year-old prospects at a September event.
Head of list management Todd Patterson said contract talks are moving forward. Patterson feels good about a couple of conversations, though he will not confirm names or rush decisions.
The club is using the success of the Devils' VFL program as a selling point. It also highlights a new high-performance centre and a hungry local fan base.
Fremantle captain Alex Pearce backed the appeal. The 50,000-strong stadium crowds create an experience few AFL players get elsewhere, he said.
There is no industry where you can clock on and play for a few hours in front of 50,000 people and feel this rush, Pearce said. The club expects some clarity on its player list by Christmas.
More moves are expected in the new year.
- eight
- Pre-listed prospects
- 17 years old
- Prospect age
- 50000
- Stadium crowds
- 2028
- AFL debut year
Why it mattersThe club's recruitment success will largely decide if the new team can compete from day one. It will also show if the team can take hold in Tasmania.
AustraliaTasmania is getting its first AFL team; strong early recruiting will shape how the code establishes itself in the state and whether it can challenge for finals early.
Corroborated byThe Advocate
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 h ago
