Sarah Skinner has become the Tasmania Football Club’s first VFLW signing, capping off a journey that saw her regularly flying interstate in search of opportunities at the top level.
The midfielder has previously played AFLW with Sydney and the Western Bulldogs and this year captained Tasmania in the State Senior Academy series.
Tasmania’s head of list management Todd Patterson said Skinner was the perfect foundation player for the new program.
“She is the consummate professional, leader and competitor,” he said.
“Her contribution to football in the state has been significant and we know she has plenty left to give us yet.”
Skinner, who played for Devonport this season, said representing her home state in the VFLW was a career-long ambition.
“The opportunity to play for Tasmania in the VFLW is something that I have dreamed about for my whole career,” she said.
“The experience captaining Tasmania this year has been a career highlight for me and I cannot wait to run out with Tasmania in the VFLW in 2026.”
The 2026 season will mark Tasmania’s entry into the VFLW as the state strengthens its women’s football pathways ahead of joining the AFLW.
Head of VFL and VFLW Aaron Pidgeon said the club was still on the hunt for a coach but was buoyed by the level of interest in the women’s program.
“Sarah represents what we are about and the program we are wanting to build, we know how much this means to her to be able to play for Tasmania from home,” he said.
“The quality of interest we are seeing from on-and off-field personnel for our women’s program is really pleasing and exciting.”
Tasmania will begin pre-season training in November.
