https://www.msn.com/en-au/sport/afl/this-is-the-beginning-afl-makes-call-on-tasmania-vfl-plan/ar-AA1LVanY?ocid=entnewsntp&pc=DCTS&cvid=6aa163fc90394cfef62eea84834105d8&ei=14Tasmania will field sides in the VFL and VFLW from next year, with the Devils joining the state league competition on a full-time basis.
The AFL confirmed the licenses for the club on Friday, with the Devils to host games in Hobart, Launceston and, possibly, Penguin.
The decision sees the island state return to the competition for the first time since 2008, with Tasmania featuring in eight campaigns earlier this century.
"This is an exciting and strategic step in the development of our football club," Tasmania CEO Brendon Gale said in a statement.
"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."
Tasmania's arrival will mean the men's competition holds 23 clubs in 2026, with St Kilda reserves side also joining after the Saints split from their affiliation with the Sandringham Zebras.
Discussions surrounding the prospect of a national second-tier competition have continued through 2025, with the prospect of a reserves league now potentially best aligned with Tasmania's expected arrival in the AFL for the 2028 season.
"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," AFL football performance boss Greg 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."
Recent AFL expansion sides GWS and Gold Coast also featured at the state league level prior to joining the top flight over a decade ago.
The Devils have also announced a 'Golden Ticket' initiative, which will see at least two rookie list spots up for grabs for players among their VFL and VFLW programs.
"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," Gale said of the initiative.
"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."
The Devils have also appointed former Netball Tasmania CEO and Head of Tasmania for North Melbourne Football Club Aaron Pidgeon as their VFL and VFLW boss.
