Senior academies, more rep footy on agenda as AFL Tas unveils restructure

Senior academies in all three regions, more state rep football and a new men’s ‘tri-series’ are key aspects of a restructure confirmed by AFL Tasmania on Monday.

Tasmanian representatives Grace White and Sam Siggins at Monday’s football restructure announcement. Picture: Linda Higginson

AFL Tasmania is confident the new senior talent academies unveiled in a major system restructure will help entice players to remain in the state as a “stepping stone” to planned VFL/VFLW entry in 2026.

After junior academies were unveiled earlier this year, a similar three region set up will be set up for seniors, in consultation with the state’s AFL/W club to ensure the VFL/W program hits the ground running.

AFL Tasmania also confirmed that

* The North-West Premier League will feature senior men’s and women’s teams - Burnie, Circular Head, Devonport, Latrobe, Penguin, Ulverstone and Wynyard;

* A three-region men’s tri-series will be put in place, following in the footsteps of the women’s ‘All Stars’ Series which has been a part of the calendar the past three years; and

* Men’s and women’s state representative teams will play five to six games next year, including against VFL opposition. The program was increased from one to two matches this season, with Tasmania to host a Sydney/Canberra squad at UTAS Stadium this Saturday after defeating Queensland last month.

Aidan Webster and Jack Templeton do battle during this year’s SFL V NWFL representative game at North Hobart Oval. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

It was originally hoped Tasmania would enter the VFL/W next year, but AFL Tasmania believes a one-year stepping stone is the best option to ensure they’re ready to enter the league.

Asked if entry in 2026 was official, Head of AFL Tasmania Damian Gill said: “2026 is the date being targeted for VFL and VFLW. It’s as official as it can be as we sit here today.

“There’s a range of things that had to be worked through, but we wanted to make the program right and we’re excited about what it will be next year.

“It’s something we haven’t been able to provide before and it will be our breeding ground for our VFL and VFLW players.

“It’s about stepping stones to VFL and then AFL, and all about giving Tasmanians the best chance to play at a high level, give them a reason to stay here and play at a high level.”

Under the system players will train and play with premier league clubs, but also juggle academy training and games against VFL teams and other state bodies.

Elise Hoiberg-Cox, Angelica Clark and Claire Ransom during this year’s SFL v NWFL women’s clash. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The changes have been met with resistance from some who maintain the Tasmanian State League is the best way forward, in particular North Launceston and Launceston.

“It’s not to remove them from the community environment, it’s to complement and value add. We see similar at under 18 level and it works well,” Gill said.

“From a week to week perspective their footy will be played for their premier league clubs, and they’ll still be able to dip in and out and train with these talent academies on a regular basis.

“This will give aspirational players the best chance to be recognised and be ready to play for 2026.”

“It’s only going to make you a better player, to be under the guidance of the best coaches in the state and to train with the best players as well,” Siggins said.

“The announcement of a potential VFL side coming in has lit a fire in the belly, there's a bit of motivation there to hopefully hang on and be part of something special.

“If I could finish my footy career playing for Tasmania and be part of the foundation, it’s something I’d really love to do.”

Women’s representative player Grace White is confident the changes will improve the quality of the female game.

“ I think it’s a great opportunity to play a high level in your own state. I know a lot of people have to make the position to move, but I think it will inspire people to play locally,” she said.

“I think it will make training better and make our competition more competitive as well, because girls will be training at a higher level and improving.

“It’s more opportunity to show what you can do, and hopefully get into the VFLW sides.”

Wynyard talent Geordie Payne was picked up by North Melbourne in this year’s AFL mid-season draft. Picture Grant Viney

SCHEDULE

Saturday at UTAS Stadium

9.45am: Tassie Devils girls v Western Jets

11.55am: Tassie Devils boys v Western Jets

2.30pm: Tasmania women v Sydney/Canberra

4.40pm: Tasmania men v Sydney/Canberra