The Tasmania Devils have launched their first football academy, handpicking 24 of the state’s most promising young footballers.
The inaugural Tasmania Devils Academy features players aged 14 to 17 from across the state.
They’ll receive elite coaching, education and development opportunities aligned with AFL and AFLW standards.
Richmond legend Matthew Knights has been appointed the academy’s inaugural coach.
The former Bomber brings 280 AFL games as a player and more than 20 years of elite coaching experience at Geelong, Essendon and West Coast.
“The program is about giving talented young Tasmanians the opportunity to develop in a professional environment,” Knights said.
“There’s enormous talent here, and our role is to help these athletes grow as footballers and people, while building a clear and strengthening pathway to the AFL and AFLW.”
It comes as the Devils build towards their entry into AFL and AFLW competitions in 2028.
Head of Recruiting Derek Hine said recent concessions negotiated for the Tasmanian Development Football Club made the academy a crucial part of their talent strategy.
“This agreement provides TDFC with a four-year window of total access to Tasmanian Academy players,” he said.
“There is no doubt that Tasmania is home to a robust ecosystem of talented boys and girls who have the potential to excel at the highest levels of the AFL and AFLW.”
