Report card: Devils VFL recruiting gets thumbs up
It’s been a ‘challenging’ short runway to assemble a squad, but the Devils VFL recruiters have ticked most boxes before the state’s return to the league. Check out our grades and the squad thus far here.
Hopefully Devils head of list management Todd Patterson has a solid mobile plan, because he’s been hitting the phones almost to a telemarker’s rate to assemble their VFL squad.
While Patterson has openly stated the short runway to recruit a competitive team has “not made life easy” it’s difficult to argue the club hasn’t done a superb job given the circumstances.
Not only have they lured home some of Tasmania’s best talent - including delisted AFL players Jye Menzie and Geordie Payne - but have snared the signatures of a handful of the best players from mainland leagues not associated with our state.
The non-Tasmanians are jumping on board as they see it as a viable new pathway to the AFL, which will ensure an ultra-motivated group will represent Tasmania in the VFL after a long absence.
After Payne became the latest signing this week, we’ve taken a look at how the recruitment process has gone so far.
Forward
The Devils have done an incredible-looking forward line which has weapons everywhere.
The tall options are led by Tassie product Hugh Dixon, who played 11 AFL games for Fremantle and West Coast and booted nearly 100 goals for VFL heavyweights Southport the past two seasons, and WAFL goal machine Jed Hagan.
Devonport emerging talent Kai Cameron is another key forward with the work rate that could see him make the leap to the next level.
The smalls feature Menzie, Payne, Jack Callinan and Gold Coast Suns Academy recruit Maddox Iverach, then there’s dominant local stars plucked from the regional premier leagues in Brad Cox-Goodyer, Brandon Leary and Sam Siggins.
Plenty of those players are versatile and can play other roles, including midfield, which will give coaches strong match-up options each week.
Grade: A-
Midfield
Probably not as strong as the forward line set up thus far, but there’s plenty of local and interstate talent capable of stepping up in the engine room.
Michael Stingel and Bailey Boag have dominated the NTFA and NWFL Premier Leagues respectively, have previous state league experience, and are ready to challenge themselves in a better competition.
Former Swan Caleb Mitchell can play midfield among other roles, while Tassie young gun Nathaniel Sulzberger has been a key player for North Melbourne’s VFL team and was unlucky not to be picked up in last year’s mid-season rookie draft.
Cameron Owen, brother of Hurricanes and Tigers star cricket Mitch, is a strong ruck option.
Grade: B
Defence
There’s strong whispers an AFL key defender on the cusp on his club’s best 22 is on the way to the Devils.
He would be the cornerstone of a defensive set up which looks a little unknown at this stage.
Local product Nick Williams is a handy pick up after a VFL stint with Southport, while South Fremantle premiership player Jaxon Artemis will add speed and class off half-back.
Suns Academy recruit Nelson Beikoff-Smart brings similar weapons, while Tasmanian Zach Adams will bring the intercepting skills that made him a staple for Central District in the SANFL.
Swans stalwart Robbie Fox will provide invaluable class and experience, but given his versatility his exact role could be up in the air depending on the final make-up of the squad.
Mitchell can also play down back, as can Callinan. A couple more key pillars are required, but look to be on the way.
Grade: B
Overall
The club has attracted a strong mix of the best Tasmanian talent, helping reduce the defection of players to the mainland which has hurt the state’s stocks in recent times.
But they’ve also convinced non-Tasmanians well established in mainland leagues to jump on board, proving players already see it as a legitimate potential platform to the AFL.
Given the short runway after the team was finally given the green light, the club has ticked most boxes thus far and is well on its way to its goal of being competitive in year one.
Overall grade: B+
Why Devils can help ‘pigeon holed’ Payne revive AFL career
The former mentor of Georgie Payne believes a chance to showcase the strings to his bow with the Devils can help him get a second AFL opportunity after his role was “pigeon holed” at the top level.
The 20-year-old was the number one pick in last year’s mid season draft, but was delisted by North Melbourne after he played three AFL games late this year, kicking three goals.
The Devils confirmed on Wednesday they have signed the Wynyard product, who played as a half forward for the Roos.
But proving his versatility in other roles for Tasmania’s under-18 team including midfield and half-back, helped him catch the attention of scouts.
Payne’s former Wynyard coach Beau Sharman, now a Devils VFL assistant and head of their north-west academy, believes a return home under coaches he knows well will help Payne work towards an AFL return.
“He wants to get back into an AFL system and he’s putting his best foot forward,” Sharman said.
“I think being home and plying his trade from here isn’t the worst thing for him. It gives him a chance to reset and see what he wants to do next with his footy.
“Jez (Jeromey Webberley, Devils VFL coach) has had a profound impact on him already and has a really good relationship with him, and I think that’s critical for Geordie’s improvement. If he feels like he’s getting backed then his best footy will come out I believe.
“He’s supremely confident in his ability, is very driven and has that competitive edge. It’s just that having an understanding of a guy.
“When you’re in a (AFL) footy club there’s 44 of them to look after and he might be one that was pushed to the back a little bit. But we already have a really good understanding of Geordie and what makes him tick.”
Sharman expects Payne to play multiple roles for the Devils and prove he’s more than just a strong tackling, high pressure small forward.
“I think there’s a lot we haven’t scratched the surface on with Geordie’s football,” Sharman said.
“I think they pigeon-holed him a little bit up there and he’ll get the opportunity here to really bring his attributes to the table in whatever position we need at the time. I think one of his strengths is playing multiple spots.
“Even when he had his AFL games he showed he could compete at the level, it’s just consistency of games where he’d get the improvement from.
“I watched an AFL game this year where he started playing really well up the ground as a half forward, and then they got an injury late in the piece so he had to play a bit deeper as a forward pocket pressure player.
“He was showing good signs up until then, I think a bit more freedom in his role (will help).
“He’s got a lot to offer, you don’t go number one pick in a mid season draft and 18 months later not know how to play the game.”
Payne said he’s looking forward to relaunching his career from home.
“Growing up in Tassie, there wasn’t that opportunity (to play VFL and I always knew I would have to move away to play at the highest level but now that has changed,” Payne said in a Devils press release.
“I always dreamt of playing for Tasmania and, now I’ve got the opportunity, I’m really looking forward to it.
“I’m definitely motivated and hungry to get back to the top level and I believe my best is still ahead of me.”
The Devils have assembled a strong forward line, with key forwards Hugh Dickson and Jed Hagan signed from mainland state league’s, delisted Essendon small forward Jye Menzie, and North Launceston stars Brad Cox-Goodyer and Brandon Leary.
It means some forwards, like Payne, could pinch hit in other roles, including midfield.
“There should be (AFL) clubs looking at him if I’m honest, he’s a good talent who can play multiple roles. I think exploring them will be beneficial for him going forward,” Sharman said.
