Former AFL forward Hugh Dixon has made the decision to return to his home state, signing with the Tasmania Devils in what the club describes as a major signing.
The 26-year-old Kingborough product joins the Devils following a dominant two-year stint at Southport in the VFL, where he kicked 94 goals and featured in consecutive grand finals with the Sharks.
Dixon, who played 11 AFL games across stints with Fremantle and West Coast between 2019 and 2022, says the opportunity to represent his home state was a significant factor in his decision.
“I’m really excited to be coming back home to Tassie,” Dixon said.
“I think it’s a really good opportunity for me with another potential AFL lifeline when the AFL team comes in, but also the chance to represent Tassie at VFL level as well.”
The key forward demonstrated his scoring power earlier this season when he booted 13 goals in a single match against the Northern Bullants.
Todd Patterson, the Devils’ Head of List Management and Strategy, described Dixon’s signing as a significant coup for the club.
“Key forwards of Hugh’s calibre are very difficult to secure at any level of football so we are very excited to bring him home,” Patterson said.
“Hugh now has great depth in his experience and, while his journey hasn’t been without its challenges, he looks primed to continue building back towards a possible return to AFL level.”
Dixon’s football resume includes a WAFL premiership with East Fremantle and representative honours for the VFL against the SANFL.
The signing represents part of what Patterson describes as a reversing trend, with talented Tasmanian players returning to the island.
“We can’t wait to welcome another young person like Hugh back to the island – the trend is reversing,” he said.
