Tasmania approved to join the VFL and VFLW full-time in 2026

Submitted by NorthPort on
News topic
VFA / VFL News
Tasmania Devils news

From VFL.COM.AU

The AFL has today confirmed the Tasmania Football Club will field teams in the Victorian Football League (VFL) and Victorian Football League Women’s (VFLW) in 2026.

Tasmania will join the competitions on a full-time basis from next season as the club continues preparations for entry into the AFL and AFLW after being awarded the 19th licence in 2023.

Tasmania previously competed in the VFL for eight seasons between 2001 to 2008.

The Devils will host VFL and VFLW home matches in Hobart and Launceston, with the possibility of also playing games in Penguin.



AFL Executive General Manager Football Performance, Greg Swann, said joining the VFL and VFLW was an exciting step forward for the Tasmania Football Club and its more than 210,000 foundation members.

“The Tasmania Devils continue to make great progress led by Chairman Grant O’Brien, CEO Brendon Gale, the board, and inaugural team members Kath McCann and Jack Riewoldt,” Swann said.

“More than 210,000 members have signed up and pledged their support, signifying great momentum and backing for the club. The introduction into the VFL and VFLW competitions is another milestone in the club’s short history.

“A clear component of the licence bid from the Tasmanian taskforce was a new roofed stadium at Macquarie Point with a capacity of at least 23,000. The AFL’s continued position is that this is a condition for the grant of the 19th licence.”

Tasmania Football Club CEO, Brendon Gale, said: “This is an exciting and strategic step in the development of our football club.

“Our entry into the VFL and VFLW marks the start of our on-field journey and plays a crucial role in laying the foundations for our AFL and AFLW teams.

“It also addresses a long-standing gap in the Tasmanian football pathway. For too long, local players have had to leave the state to pursue elite opportunities. This is the beginning of a new Tasmania Football Club pathway that allows Tasmanian talent to develop, perform and be rewarded – right here at home.

“It will also be the first time our members can cheer on their club in a competition, and we can’t wait for that.

“From 2026, Tasmania runs out as one. Our on-field story begins, and it belongs to every Tasmanian."

Camberwell FC Historical display

Submitted by NorthPort on
Forums
Camberwell Football Club

The Camberwell Historical Society have a terrific display currently on show at the Camberwell Library.

The display includes photos of teams over the years, along with club memorabilia, premiership flags and medallions 

 

The display is located at the back of the Camberwell Library (behind some glass sliding doors. My dad and I went on Sunday. As past members of the Cobras, we thought it was terrific.

Hopefully it is not a one-off and can be added to over time.

Tasmania Devils push for a full season in the VFL in 2026

Submitted by NorthPort on
News topic
VFA / VFL News
Tasmania Devils news
  • Wed August 27, 2025
  • 8:11am

The Tasmania Devils plan to join VFL and VFLW competitions in 2026

The Tasmania Devils are pushing ahead with plans to field teams in the VFL and VFLW competitions from 2026, despite still awaiting formal approval from the league.

Tasmania Football Club has submitted applications to join both state-level competitions and is already building its football operations in anticipation of a positive decision.

Advertisement

 

The move would create a complete pathway for Tasmanian footballers two years before the club’s expected AFL debut in 2028.

Club CEO Brendon Gale said securing spots in the Victorian state leagues was a crucial step in the club’s development.

Supporters of the Tasmania Devils rallying on election day in July

“Entry into the VFL and VFLW in 2026 is a priority for the Club,” Gale said.

“Not only will this be a significant step forward for our Club with the introduction of football operations, but it will also be an important addition to the local football ecosystem.”

Brendon Gale, CEO of Tasmania Football Club

“[It will] serve as a great carrot to attract some of our best and brightest football talent home,” he said.

Despite lacking final approval, Tasmania FC is already recruiting both players and off-field staff, working to tight timeframes to ensure readiness for a 2026 launch.

Advertisement

 

“We are building the operation on the basis that we will be playing due to the timeframes we must meet,” Gale said.

“This means we are actively, and excitingly, engaging with athletes and off-field personnel to take on roles with the Club.”

VFL Finals Week 1

Submitted by Robbo on
Forums
Season 2025 - VFL Competition

SATURDAY AUGUST 30

2nd Elimination Final

Brisbane vs Richmond at Brighton Homes Arena 12:05pm

1st Qualifying Final

Footscray vs Frankston at Whitten Oval 12:35pm

2nd Qualifying Final

Box Hill Hawks vs Southport at Box Hill 12:35pm

1st Elimination Final

Casey Demons vs Williamstown at Casey Fields 2:10pm - Live on 7mate and 7plus

Port Melbourne 2026

Submitted by NorthPort on
Forums
Port Melbourne
  • With the season done and dusted, I have started to turn my mind towards out list in 2026. Having watched (or rewatched) the last few games I am hoping to go through the list to make a bit of an assesment on individual players.. But just on the last couple of games...
  • Rankin.. We have really missed him this season and the games he played towards the end of the season show what a clever player he is with good decision making
  • Lazzaro who started the season in blistering for has been back to his best and his run and carry is first rate
  • Anastasia despite losing his blistering pace in seasons gone by is a very very clever player who reads the play as well as anyone and has a booming kick and is deadly around goals. I'm hoping he goes around for 1 more season
  • Heppel reminds me in some way of John Baird, he's not super quick but his vision, disposal skills and leadership in constructing play has become more and more evident as the season has progressed 

 

Anyway, I hope to go through the list in jumper number order and post my thoughts...and would love to hear others. 

 

Bullants return to the Preston FC name, call on community for financial support.

Submitted by UpTheDolphins on
Forums
Northern (Preston) Bullants

Preston officials have apparently met with the AFL in a bid for financial assistance, and are also requesting donations from anyone who's able. I highly advise checking the club's social accounts to donate if you can. Without support their chances of surviving to 2026 are slim. 

VFL Round 21 - The Equation

Submitted by aj9172 on
Forums
Season 2025 - VFL Competition

This blurb is going in Frankston's Football Record for this weekend.....

We’ve arrived at the final round of the VFL for 2025, and every finals spot is up for grabs! The composition of the 10 is almost set, with Coburg sweating on the result of Williamstown and Richmond to determine whether they grab the final wildcard spot. A Seagulls win would see them very unlucky to miss. For Richmond, a home final is on the line with a win possibly taking them as high as 4th, while a loss will definitely mean the wildcard game, so it should be an intense battle at Point Gellibrand.
For our Dolphins, a win over Brisbane assures the double chance. A loss under 15 points still may be good enough (keep your calculator handy). A win and a loss by Southport against North Melbourne would take us to third spot. If Brisbane beat us by enough they will take our double chance and see us host an Elimination Final in week two of the finals…..unless both Collingwood and Richmond make up a massive amount of percentage to relegate us to the wildcard game. A loss for Brisbane and they could slip into a wildcard position, so we can expect them to bring the heat. Should be a cracker!
At the top, Box Hill and Footscray are separated by only percentage and take on the resurgent Casey Demons and Carlton respectively to try to claim pole position. For the Demons, a win could see them as high as 5th, while a loss would possibly send them to 9th and the wildcard game. Collingwood head to North Port to take on the Borough, with only 0.5 percent separating them from Richmond. Again, a loss for the Pies would be a debacle and make them a wildcard. A huge win could take them to 4th. GWS Giants take on Gold Coast, and while sitting 9th right now could leap as high as 5th if results go their way.
And so it begins, strap yourself in Dolphin fans, cheer your lungs out, and take our boys over the finish line. A win today and we’re one game away from hosting a preliminary final at Kinetic Stadium. Game on!

Subscribe to