Jack Callinan is coming home to play for the Tasmania Football Club’s VFL program after a successful stint with Central Districts in South Australia.
The versatile player, who comes from a family with deep roots in Tasmanian football, has signed as a contracted athlete with the Devils.
Callinan has spent most of his career playing forward but has also shown strong defensive capabilities, the club said.
He will bring valuable senior-level experience from the SANFL to Tasmania’s VFL program.
“We are incredibly excited to have the Callinan name back playing for the Tassie Devils,” Head of List Management and Strategy Todd Patterson said.
“The rich history of this family has always been part of our story and for it to continue to be is incredible.”
“Jack has had a very successful junior career prior to joining Central Districts in the SANFL,” he said.
“Jack has played a good amount of senior football at that level and we expect him to do so for us with his versatility at both ends of the ground.”
Head of VFL and VFLW Aaron Pidgeon said the club has been encouraged by the number of young Tasmanian athletes wanting to return home.
“The blend of younger and experienced athletes across the program is so important for us and we are delighted to be welcoming youngsters of Jack’s calibre into the program,” he said.
For Callinan, the move is a significant opportunity to advance his career while being close to family and friends.
“This opportunity is one that I have hoped for over the last few years,” he said.
“I want to play at the highest level and to be able to play for Tasmania Devils in the VFL at home is huge for me.”
Callinan said his time in South Australia has helped him progress as a player.
“I have grown and developed during my time away and feel like I return a more experienced and mature player,” he said.
He is the son of 32-game Crow Ian Callinan and the grandson of Tasmanian Football Hall of Fame member Des James.
Tasmania Football Club’s VFL and VFLW preseason begins in November.
