State rep player Sam Siggins believes the loss of the Devils will have massive ramifications on Tassie footy comps

One of Tasmania’s leading footballers believes the loss of the Tassie AFL licence would have a severe impact on local competitions and the code in general. He opens up on why it’s vital the Devils enter the AFL.

Former Adelaide Crow and Tasmanian gun Sam Siggins believes the state risks losing players to other sports if the AFL dream is not achieved.

Siggins has become one of the state’s biggest local football stars and leading voices in recent years and has fears for the game’s health if the Devils do not get off the ground.

The Lauderdale star believes players could continue to move interstate, impacting the local competitions.

“There is a concern if we don’t get the team or the stadium doesn’t go ahead, we’ve got players who could go to basketball or cricket,” Siggins said.

“You just have to have a look at the talent coming through, look at the game against the Gold Coast Academy (at the under-16 national championships on Tuesday where the Devils won by more than 100 points).

Sam Siggins believes the loss of the Devils and the Stadium will have major ramifications for the footy competitions in Tasmania. Picture Linda Higginson Solstice Digital

“In the years gone by, if you don’t get picked up in the under-18 competition for Tasmania in your draft year, you’re essentially going to the decision of moving interstate and play a high level of football in the VFL or SANFL or do they stay here in Tasmania and play local football.

“If we lose these young players who will go to the first draft in 2027 to interstate then we lose the competition strength here for our local comps.”

Siggins believes Tasmanian AFL and AFLW teams would only benefit local competitions including the Southern Football League where he currently plays.

“If we get the VFL and VFLW teams then into the AFL and AFLW teams, it filters down the pipe to the local comp with the talent we will get and then creates more even competitions,” Siggins said.

“I would have loved Tasmania to have a team when I got drafted, I would have loved to have been able to stay here and play for my state that is why I always put my hand up for the state games.

“I was a bit envious of the boys in Adelaide who were from SA because they could essentially stay home with their parents when they first got drafted.

“Whereas a fresh 17-year-old who probably doesn’t have much life experience it can be quite tough because you have to go out and live on your own essentially.

“It comes down to personality as well, whether kids are more outgoing or if they stay in their shells a bit.

“Now I am not saying kids won’t play footy if they get drafted interstate, but I think the push to have a team here will create a better benefit for those kids who are in our first draft year to want to stay here.”

Originally published as State rep player Sam Siggins believes the loss of the Devils will have massive ramifications on Tassie footy comps