Three Tasmanian footballers have earned selection in the 2026 Allies squad, putting them on the national stage ahead of this year’s Marsh AFL National Championships.
Charlie Bovill, Archie Devine and Jake Beams secured their spots after a trial game in Brisbane last month.
The trio come through Tasmania’s Under-18 Boys program and will line up alongside elite young players from New South Wales, the ACT, the Northern Territory and Queensland.
The Allies will take on Vic Country, South Australia, Vic Metro and Western Australia across four games starting June 14 in Sydney.
Allies head coach Scott Moore, who also leads Tasmania’s Under-18 Boys, said he’s proud to have three Tasmanians in the side for the opening game.
“I’m extremely proud of the boys and can’t wait to support them through what will be another highlight of their football journey,” Moore said.
“To have three Tasmanian players in the side for Game 1 is a great reflection of the Tasmanian Talent Pathway and a fantastic opportunity for the three players to showcase their ability at national level.”
Devine and Bovill are draft-eligible this year, while Beams won’t be eligible until 2027.
Moore described Devine as a “really solid footballer” who drives the ball forward with his kicking and is most damaging off half-back.
He said Bovill is “an outstanding intercept marker” with great hands who can play both forward and back.
Beams, meanwhile, has “probably one of the best kicks in my time in talent football”, Moore said.
Devine said he’s keen to make the most of every chance.
“It’s a great opportunity to get and yeah, I’m not going to take it for granted and try and put my best foot forward to play all the games throughout the championship,” Devine said.
He said he’d welcome a chance at any AFL club, whether it’s the incoming Tasmanian Devils or interstate.
Bovill echoed that sentiment, saying getting drafted has always been his goal regardless of destination.
“I think the best thing that’s going to get us over the line as a team is actually playing the team game and working with each other,” Bovill said.
Beams, who earned selection a year ahead of schedule, said he’s focused on enjoying the moment.
“Just saying again, really, playing every week as it comes, having fun with mates,” Beams said.
Moore said every AFL recruiter in the country is likely to attend the championships, making it a massive step in the players’ draft journeys.
The Allies won their first-ever championship in 2023 but fell short in both 2024 and 2025.
Their 2026 campaign kicks off against Vic Country on June 14.
