Added responsibilities no detterent for Cameron Joyce, who will oversee Tasmania’s AFL talent pathway

The COVID-19 crisis stopped Cameron Joyce from embarking on his role as Devils coach just four months after being appointed. Now he has assumed more responsibilities, and is up for the challenge

Cameron Joyce, AFL Tasmania's talent pathway manager and head coach of the Devils at North Hobart Oval. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

• Fostering best talent first port of call for Joyce
• Tasmania’s talent pathway to be run from Melbourne

CAMERON Joyce’s portfolio has significantly increased since he first joined AFL Tasmania but he is confident he is the man to continue fostering the state’s best talent.

Joyce was appointed as Devils under-18 coach on a two-year deal last November, but barely got to sink his teeth into the role before the coronavirus pandemic took hold.

The former North Melbourne footy boss has now assumed the mantle as talent manager and head coach of all Tasmania Devils programs under the restructure at AFL Tasmania.

The new position absorbs the responsibilities of former state talent pathway manager Craig Notman — who also applied for the role.

Joyce, who will answer directly to a position at AFL house yet to be filled, will be flanked by regional talent managers Nathan Warren (north), Jamie Hayward (North West) and Mathew Armstrong in the south, and is aware he will need to lean on the trio at times.

“It was the first choice for me, with the restructure there was plenty of opportunity to go home potentially, but I wanted to stay here,” Joyce said.

“I have got to be smart in terms of how I use the people we have got and bring them in but also I can’t be doing everything.

ASSISTANCE: Cameron Joyce will lean on the likes of Mathew Armstrong (pictured) in his dual role as talent manager and head coach of all Tasmania Devils programs. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

“Obviously I will manage everything, but I can’t be everywhere and everything to everyone.

“I have to understand that, we have some great people who have been working in the program and I don’t see why that won’t continue in terms of the quality.

“I’m confident we have started a good program this year in terms of what I was keen to implement and people are starting to understand that and they can carry that out.”

During the COVID-19 shutdown Joyce was unable to work directly with Tasmania’s aspiring draftees, but he has been watching them ply their trade at TSL level.

And while there remains some unknowns in terms of AFL list sizes when it comes to the 2020 national draft, he is quietly confident their performances will hold them in good stead.

“It is going to be really intriguing to see because it could definitely go both ways. A Victorian kid who had a good carnival or season last year that hasn’t played, they are probably not in a bad spot.

“Maybe the one that is developing and didn’t go as well, it will be interesting to see how they are viewed.

“We have the exposed form down here, obviously over the course of the two years in the NAB and then at TSL level, and senior level.

“We are hopeful a few of the boys go well. Their performances to be honest I think have been nothing short of terrific, the way they have adapted to a full season of senior footy, some are playing big roles for the clubs and performing really well on a consistent basis.”

Follow @ajsmiddy