Why Tassie AFLW delay can be a positive

Former AFLW star Sarah Skinner believes the likely delay of Tasmania’s team until 2028 can be a positive, and can help the club avoid beginning “too prematurely”. Hear from the Devonport gun before Saturday’s NWFL-SFL clash.

Tasmania Devils captain Sarah Skinner in full flight against Norwood at the Twin Ovals. Picture Solstice Digital

Former AFLW star Sarah Skinner believes the likelihood of the Devils’ league debut being pushed back a year can help them avoid entering the top flight “too prematurely”.

The Devonport star, who played nine AFLW games, is captain of Tasmania’s representative team this year, and will be a key player in defending champion NWFL’s tri series clash with SFL at Penguin on Saturday.

The Devils had aspired to make their AFLW debut in 2027, but CEO Brendon Gale last month said it’s looking more likely to be pushed back to 2028, the same year the men will enter the AFL.

With a Tasmania VFLW team scheduled to begin next year, Skinner said the extra season at that level will give local players more time necessary to be ready for the big stage.

“I hadn’t heard much about it being delayed, but we don’t want to come in too prematurely,” the 25-year-old said.

“We probably need a few more games in the VFLW to really get up to speed. And even by the time it comes in, we might have a lot more under-18s in Coates League ready to go and you might see other players come back playing on other AFLW teams as well.

“All in all it’s not a bad decision, it’s quite positive. It gives us more time to plan more carefully, and get more development into the girls.”

Mitch Brouwer and Sarah Skinner with Mitch Brouwer before Tasmania’s clashes with Norwood earlier this year. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Skinner said the regional academies to give the best players access to regular quality training is a strong step, but said the development will be fasttracked in VFLW training as one group.

“For the short term, yes (the academies are working). But long term I do see there being one location where we all train together, but understanding that’s quite hard for girls who have a life outside of football and may not be able to move to one corner of the state.

“But short term I think it’s a really good stepping stone to at least get that high level of training in.

“I think there’s a fair few girls in our Tassie state team who can step into that (VFLW leadership) role at any point.

“It’s a privilege to be give that role and it’s definitely something I’d be interested in, but there’s a lot of girls who could step into that role as well.”

After Tasmania’s loss to Port Melbourne at Launceston in March, Skinner said it was a handy indication of where they need to improve with the VFLW looming.

“It’s really important to my experience of playing in the AFLW, and quite a few years in the VFLW, to be able to give them some insight into what it was like for me, and as a Tassie state team where we can keep bridging that gap,” she said.

“It’s been a really good experience for me coming back and it’s quite important to me as well.

“We’ve got to remember we’re all at opposite ends of the state, and VFLW teams get to play and train three times a week. It’s more connection more than anything, the girls are working really hard on their fitness and skills at rep and club level.

“Once the connection piece develops we’ll be in good stead to match it with some of the VFLW teams.”

Sarah Skinner (no.15) celebrates kicking a goal with Sydney teammate Montana Ham during Sydney’s first AFLW match in 2022. ©Phil Hillyard )

The NWFL can seal the women’s tri series trophy with a win over the SFL after they accounted for NTFA in the series opener.

The NWFL men are looking to bounce back from a 23-point loss to NTFA in their first clash.

Devonport defender Braden van Buuren is confident they can make the necessary adjustments.

“There was some positives and areas for improvement (against NTFA). There were times where we were in control, especially the second quarter when we couldn’t capitalise,” he said. “We thought our contested ball and work on the inside was a positive, we won clearances for example.

“We just let them get on top of us with their uncontested marks which set them up with their run.”

Saturday’s women’s NWFL-SFL clash gets underway at Dial Park from 12pm, with the men to follow from 2.10pm.