Tasmania has signed experienced duo Aiden Begg and Patrick Walker to its VFL list for the remainder of the 2026 season.
The moves come after the Devils lost Jaxon Artemis and Max Mapley to the AFL mid-season rookie draft, opening spots on the roster.
Tasmania’s head of list management and strategy Todd Patterson said the club reviewed available talent before locking in the pair.
“With the departure of Jaxon and Max in the mid-season draft it gave us an opportunity to assess both the local competitions and broader talent pool to see if there were players worthwhile adding to our squad to build our depth and capability,” Patterson said.
Begg is a former Collingwood-listed ruckman who has been in strong form with North Ringwood this season.
Patterson said the club identified Begg through scout Josh Drummond and a pre-existing relationship through Derek Hine.
“Aiden was a mid-season draft pick with a developing body and couldn’t quite get continuity despite making his debut at AFL level,” he said.
“He has been dominant for North Ringwood this year and will compliment Cam Owen really well as a replacement for Max.”
Walker is a versatile North Hobart player who was drafted by North Melbourne in the 2020 rookie draft and spent two seasons at the club before joining Norwood in the SANFL.
Patterson said Walker had been on Tasmania’s radar for some time but the club wanted him to settle into the year at North Hobart given his injury history.
“He has been a dominant player for them and as a player with a professional background who can play across all three lines, we are excited to bring him in,” Patterson said.
Walker’s ability to play across defence, midfield and attack gives the Devils extra flexibility as they look to build on a 36-point win over Sandringham on the weekend.
“These were important decisions for us to keep building the squad depth as we build to hopefully a strong back end of the season,” Patterson said.
Both players will be available for selection when Tasmania takes on the Brisbane Lions in Queensland on Friday.
