AFL Tasmania on the hunt for new under-18 Devils coach after Adrian Fletcher quits

The Devils’ inaugural coach for their full-time return to the elite national under-18s competition has made a sudden departure from the role.

Adrian Fletcher has announced his immediate departure from the Tasmania Devils to return to Queensland. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

THE Devils are searching for a new coach after just one season back in the NAB League.

The Mercury can reveal Adrian Fletcher informed AFL Tasmania he would be heading back to his family in Brisbane following the Devils’ exit from the under-18s competition on Sunday.

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The Devils were returned to the elite under-18 competition full time as part of the AFL’s steering committee recommendations with Fletcher – a former Glenorchy, Geelong, St Kilda, Brisbane and Fremantle midfielder – appointed after coaching Queensland and the Allies last year.

After a promising start to the season, the Devils lost their last eight games to finish the year in second last on the ladder with a 4-11 win-loss record.

“It is a really difficult decision because I love Tassie footy and I’m heavily invested in this program, but some things are bigger than football,” Fletcher said.

“I’ve lived away from my family while performing the role and it has been really hard and right now, I feel I need to prioritise my family.

“I’m incredibly passionate about what lies ahead for the Devils and Tasmanian football and I know I’ll look back proudly on the part I’ve played in something pretty special.”

After some early wins, the Tasmania Devils lost their last eight games of the season to finsih second last. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

However, the Mercury understands there was some criticism from parents of Devils players to AFL Tasmania about Fletcher’s style being too hard on individuals and the team without enough positive feedback.

AFL Tasmania chief executive Trisha Squires acknowledged the important role Fletcher played in establishing the Devils team in their first season.

“The first year of anything is exciting but also really daunting and I’ve admired the enthusiasm and work ethic of Adrian in riding the bumps of a big first season and putting the best foot forward for Tasmania,” Squires said.

“Adrian has been a key figure in laying a foundation this year for the many years that follow for the Devils and we really appreciate all of his hard work.

“It is clear for all to see that Adrian is really passionate about Tasmanian footy and I know his decision to return to Queensland has been an incredibly difficult call, but we respect that family comes first.

“We wish Adrian and his family all the very best and we know he won’t be a stranger to Tasmania.”

A member of the Tasmanian Football Hall of Fame, Fletcher played 231 AFL games across four clubs.