Gabbi Featherston has earned selection as the only Tasmanian player in the 2026 Smithy’s VFLW State Team squad to face South Australia in tomorrow’s Gather Round clash.
The Victorian Football League has announced a 40-player squad featuring representatives from all 13 VFLW clubs for the match against the SANFLW at Glenelg’s Stratarama Oval.
Featherston said it was an honour to represent the state, despite her surprise at being the lone Tasmanian called up.
“I was quite surprised to be the only one from Tasmania to make it, considering we have quite a bit of talent here,” she told Pulse.
“But it’s an honour to represent the state and the team.”
The versatile utility was originally selected with pick 9 in the 2021 AFLW Draft.
She played 22 games for Geelong before being delisted last year.
“I think it sits pretty high in my career achievements,” she said.
“After being delisted I wasn’t really sure where I sat ability-wise. This has been really rewarding to feel recognised.”
The match will kick off at 12pm as part of a representative double-header, followed by the men’s VFL versus SANFL clash at 2:30pm.
The VFLW State Team will look to maintain its perfect record after defeating South Australia by 27 points in their inaugural meeting last year.
Devils head coach Georgia Walker has been appointed as an assistant coach for the Big V side.
Featherston said she was grateful to be part of one of the AFLW calendar’s marquee weekends.
“Being part of such a large and exciting moment for the AFLW is something I’m really grateful for,” she said.
“Especially having such a love for football it’s going to be awesome to be involved in some way.”
Tasmania’s AFLW team is set to enter the competition in 2028, with the Devils preparing for their inaugural VFLW season opener against Casey at North Hobart Oval on May 16.
Featherston said the Devils would bring something different to the VFLW competition.
“I think we will bring a highly competitive and fresh style of football to the competition,” she said.
She also praised Tasmania’s passionate football community amid the state’s growing profile in the sport.
“It’s been awesome to witness first hand the sense of community and proudness around the men’s games and their success,” she said.
