Tassie to host SANFL giants in rep trial

Tasmania will host a big mainland club in men’s and women’s trial games in March, and more local stars have signed on with the SANFL giant. Get the details here.

Tasmanian representatives Grace White and Sam Siggins last year. Picture: Linda Higginson

Norwood’s already strong link with Tasmania has intensified, with the SANFL giants to play trial games against the state after recruiting more Tasmanians to their fold.

The Redlegs, who made last year’s SANFL grand final, will take on Tasmania in men’s and women’s pre-season trials on March 2 at Kingston Twin Ovals.

The Mercury revealed last week North Launceston premiership stars Mitch Nicholas and Jack Aherne had become the latest Tasmanians to commit to Norwood, joining the likes of Baynen Lowe, Jackson Callow, Tom Donnelly, Ben Simpson and Oliver Sanders.

The club announced this week fellow former Bomber Khalen Matthews has also signed, along with Glenorchy twins Connor and Liam Ling.

The trial games are part of AFL Tasmania’s commitment to play more representative games this year, with one eye on preparing for the state’s VFL and VFLW entry, planned for next year.

The NTFA released its roster last week, with Tasmania representative games also scheduled for May 3 July 5 and July 19, with opponents yet to be announced.

NTFA representative teams also take on the NWFL and SFL on May 24 and June 21 respectively.

Last year’s Tassie Devils best and fairest Connonr Ling has signed with Norwood. Picture: Linda Higginson / Solstice Digital

In July, AFL Tasmania boss Damien Gill forecast Tasmania’s men’s and women’s teams would play five or six representative games in 2025.

Tasmania played two games last year after one in 2023, defeating Queensland and falling to a combined Sydney/Canberra squad.

AFL Tasmania also forecast games against VFL or SANFL opposition, to be used as a ‘stepping stone’ for their VFL entry.

Senior and junior academies have also been set up in the state’s three regions.

“2026 is the date being targeted for VFL and VFLW. It’s as official as it can be as we sit here today,” Gill said in July.

“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.”