Tasmania’s football journey has taken a historic leap forward with official confirmation today the state’s new club will field teams in both the VFL and VFLW competitions from 2026.
The move marks Tasmania’s return to the VFL for the first time since 2008, while also establishing the state’s inaugural entry into the women’s competition.
Both teams will compete on a full-time basis two years before the club’s scheduled entry into the AFL and AFLW in 2028, with matches to be played across Tasmania’s three regions.
The club has announced a ‘golden ticket’ program guaranteeing at least two rookie list positions for players participating in the VFL and VFLW programs in 2026 and 2027.
Tasmania Football Club CEO Brendon Gale described the development as a pivotal moment for the state.
“This is an exciting and strategic step in the development of our football club. Our entry into the VFL and VFLW marks the start of our on-field journey and plays a crucial role in laying the foundations for our AFL and AFLW teams in 2028,” Gale said.
“For too long, local players have had to leave the state to pursue elite opportunities. This is the beginning of a new Tasmania Football Club pathway that allows Tasmanian talent to develop, perform and be rewarded – right here at home.”
The club has appointed Aaron Pidgeon, former Netball Tasmania CEO and Head of Tasmania for North Melbourne Football Club, as its inaugural Head of VFL and VFLW.
Recruitment of coaches, high-performance staff and players is already underway, with pre-season for both squads set to begin in November.
From 2026, the program will operate across multiple locations including a combined greater northern hub, ahead of the opening of the club’s training and administration centre in Kingston.
Every listed player will be linked to a Premier League club in either the NWFL, NTFA or SFL, letting them remain connected to local communities.
“From 2026, Tasmania runs out as one. Our on-field story begins and it belongs to every Tasmanian,” Gale said.
