The Tasmania Football Club will enter the AFL in 2028 armed with the first pick of the national draft and a $5 million signing bonus fund to attract established players.
The AFL has approved list build concessions for the league’s 19th team, providing the Devils with significant advantages to build a competitive squad from day one.
Club chief executive Brendon Gale welcomed the announcement, saying it creates a framework for the club’s competitive entry into the national competition.
“The establishment and build of our football list is a priority for our club,” Gale said.
“Having certainty around how we can build that list allows our club and particularly our football department to accelerate forward.”
The Devils will be permitted a flexible list size of up to 48 players for their second, third and fourth seasons before transitioning back to standard industry levels.
They can sign up to 18 out-of-contract AFL players across a two-year window, with a maximum of one player from each existing club.
The $5 million signing bonus pool sits outside the AFL salary cap and can be used across the club’s first two seasons, with a maximum spend of $3 million in either year.
With the league’s salary cap expected to rise to $18.44 million by 2027, the Devils could have at least $21.5 million available for player payments in their inaugural season.
The concessions include the establishment of a Tasmanian Academy, allowing the club to pre-list eligible academy players for their first four years.
Gale said this academy will provide the team with the “opportunity to invest in player development and retention pathways” in Tasmania.
The Devils’ draft hand is substantial, receiving picks 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13 in their first draft, though several selections must be traded.
The club says it is continuing to work with the AFL to finalise list rules for their AFLW team.
