Former Richmond Football Club CEO Brendon Gale has officially stepped into his new role as the first-ever CEO of the Tasmania Devils.
The respected football figure, who played 244 games across his AFL career, will lead the charge as the club prepares for its AFL debut in 2028.
A proud Tasmanian, Gale grew up on the north-west coast and kicked off his football career with the Burnie Hawks.
Now, he’s embracing the challenge of shaping the AFL’s 19th team from scratch.
“The opportunity to build a club from the ground up, to shape a culture that truly represents Tasmania’s identity and passion for football, is a challenge I embrace wholeheartedly,” he said.
“We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create something special.”
Gale said a new multi-purpose stadium proposed for Hobart’s Macquarie Point, a requirement under the deal with the AFL, would be the key to success.
“To be competitive in this AFL industry, this cutthroat, ruthless industry, you need financial strength and stadium finances go to the heart of that,” he said.
“I’ve seen it. I’ve lived it. I’ve seen the experience of clubs with poor stadium builds as opposed to those with strong stadium builds. I’ve seen Adelaide oval change the destiny of Port Adelaide and of a city and a state.”
Tasmania Football Club Chair Grant O’Brien called Gale’s appointment a “very important milestone” for the club.
“The club continues to move forward with great momentum, and we are really looking forward to delivering on our plans with Brendon at the helm,” he said.
Gale will start his tenure with a tour across Tasmania throughout February, followed by an online session for members in March.
