Tasmania has signed Geelong midfielder George Stevens, a joint winner of the VFL’s best and fairest award, as the Devils build towards their second season in the VFL.
The club described the 21-year-old as one of the VFL’s “standout performers” in 2026.
Stevens averaged 30 disposals and kicked 13 goals across 16 home-and-away games this year, earning a place in the VFL Team of the Year.
Those numbers helped earn him a share of the J.J. Liston Trophy as the competition’s best and fairest player, along with Geelong’s VFL best and fairest award.
Originally from South Warrnambool, Stevens was taken by Geelong with pick No.58 in the 2023 AFL National Draft.
His AFL debut came against Richmond in Round 17, 2025 and he played four senior games across three seasons with the Cats before being delisted at the end of this season.
In its announcement, the club said Stevens’ “strength around the contest and prolific ball-winning ability” would add depth to its midfield.
The Devils will play in the VFL again in 2027 before entering the AFL in 2028.
The signing came on the same day the Devils confirmed their inaugural VFL captain, Robbie Fox, would not be offered a playing contract for 2027.
Head of football operations Aaron Pidgeon said the club’s “expectations regarding player behaviour and adherence to our standards” were among the factors considered.
Four members of the club’s inaugural VFL squad, Nick Williams, Zach Adams, Harry Elmer and Maddox Iverach, have also recently signed one-year contracts for 2027. They join fellow Jye Menzie and Jed Hagan in signing on for next season.
Last month, the club announced its first AFL player signings at an event in Hobart.
That group of eight included seven under-17 players: East Perth’s Axel Walsh, Sandringham Dragons pair Angus Brown and Riley Stratford, Western Jets duo Jake Miller and Griffin Barker, Calder Cannons’ Nate Jenkins and Eastern Ranges midfielder Baxter Sruk.
Tasmanian Hugh McCallum, who is eligible for this year’s draft, was the eighth player signed.
