AFL Tas names inaugural senior academy coaches

The inaugural coaches of Tasmania’s new senior talent academies have been named, and they enjoy strong ties to the boys and girls Devils programs. Read their thoughts on their roles here.

Tasmania Devils Coach Jeromey Webberley has been named the state’s senior academy mens coach. Picture: Linda Higginson

Inaugural Tasmania senior men’s academy coach Jeromey Webberley is adamant the program can be a retention vehicle to keep players in the state, and can also entice talent back home.

Webberley is set to take on plenty of responsibility next year given he will also remain coach of the Devils under-18 program, a position he’s held for the past three years.

He admitted he’s been desperate to return to senior level coaching after last doing so with Clarence in 2021. He believes his experience in helping drive the success of the Devils program will be a huge advantage in starting the academy ‘from the ground up’.

Senior academies will be established in all three regions next year, which mirrors junior academies already announced, before Tasmania’s planned VFL entry next year.

Jodie Clifford, who coached the Devils girls under-18s in 2023, has also returned to the fold as the women’s senior academy head coach.

“Working with senior men again is something I’ve always wanted to get back to and to be able to continue my role with the under-18s,” he said.

Jeromey Webberley. Picture: Chris Kidd

“I’m very excited and the rekindling of working some of the palyers I have in the under-18s programs, or played or coached with or against, is something I’m looking forward to.

“I feel like it’s an extension of the Devils program., and we’re really keen to create a strong linkage between our under 18s and the senior academy.

“I feel there’s a lot to work on, but I have a good understanding of what needs to happen and the things I need to put in place.

“The structure is similar with the three region piece and how to get players on the same page and building relationships.

“There’s a lot of similarities. I feel like doing both roles can have a really positive effect on the Devils program, and linking it in with the senior academy can enhance that as well.”

A number of players look set to further their football by heading to mainland leagues once the TSL wraps up this year.

But Webberley is unperturbed, adamant the new academy program will suit some players more than others.

“They’ve never had this opportunity have they?,” he said.

“There’s been player exodus forever and a day, it’s been talked about every year. The reality is this program gives them an opportunity to play against VFL clubs and SANFL clubs, some of the best state league clubs in Australia.

“If they want to play VFL or have a lifestyle change then OK, go to the mainland and do those things.

“But there’s a product here (now) that allows you to remain in the state, continue to study or progress your employment.

“You can dip your toe into what it takes, and then launch yourself into 2026. For some players that’s going to be the vehicle they choose, for others they’ll choose to leave the state. “We’d love them all to stay but that’s not the reality. I’m hoping this can be a good retainment opportunity for this state.

Senior womens academy coach Jodie Clifford. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

“This progam might not be for some players, but for others it will be and we’ll get some retention out of it. We may even get some players coming back home, because they know what’s around the corner.”

Webberley coached the girls and boys under-18s in his first year at the Devils, which has given him confidence he can handle overseeing multiple programs.

He will offload some of his other responsibilities in the under-16 Devils and Allies programs.

“I think I’ll be able to work through it and give my best to both programs,” he said.

“It’s bout being oganised and trusting the people we have involved in the program. Our workload will be more extravagant, but I”m sure we’ve got the resources to get it done.”

The appointment is just reward for Webberley, who has been instrumental in helping the likes of Colby McKercher, Arie Schoenmaker and Seth Campbell get drafted into the AFL.

He confirmed he would be interested in being Tasmania’s VFL coach if the chance arose.

“If you’re a young and aspiring coach in the state, or a Tasmanian coaching over on the mainland, there’s no doubt the VFL job is going to interest you. I’m exactly the same as any other candidate,” he said.

“It (senior academies) is an opportnity for me to go in and build something from the ground up.

“Whether you call that an audition I’m not too sure, but the reality is I was really keen to get back involved in a senior program.

“It’s an opportunity to experience something a blittle different, but I’m not sure it’s an audition.”

Clifford also believes her strong links with the under-18 program and its players will be a huge advantage in her new role.

“I am excited to play a role with connecting our best emerging women’s footballers from across the state,” she said.

“I have worked with many of the players previously and I think I have a lot of value to add to the programs and in ensuring strong links between our under 18 program and the high standard program we provide at senior level.”