The Tasmania Devils have signed their first-ever AFL players, with eight young footballers announced at a draft style event in Hobart tonight.
The AFL has given the Devils special permission to pre-list up to 12 potential draft picks over the next two seasons.
The first group was picked by the club’s list management, recruiting and coaching team.
The seven pre-listed under-17 players are Western Australian Axel Walsh, along with Victorians Jake Miller, Angus Brown, Riley Stratford, Baxter Sruk, Griffin Barker and Nate Jenkins.
Each player was watched at National Championships, school and local matches, then compared against others in their age group.
Tasmanian draft prospect Hugh McCallum was also signed at the event.
McCallum hurt his knee during the 2026 season.
He will skip the 2026 AFL Draft and join the Devils program in 2027.
Devils head coach Ken Hinkley will work alongside head of development Nigel Lappin and head of academy Matthew Knights to get the group ready for 2028.
“Tonight is a very special evening and it’s a proud moment to welcome our first group of Tasmania Devils players to our state,” Hinkley said.
“I am excited to be working with such a talented group of young footballers, all of who have tremendous skill sets and AFL attributes already.
“It will be great to share this moment with their families. The build of our list is a significant focus for the Club and tonight is another great step forward as we move toward 2028.”
The pre-listed players will move to Tasmania later in November.
They will then start their preparation for the club’s first AFL match in 2028 with individual training programs and plans through 2027.
