Tasmania is adamant that it will stick to its timeline of finding an inaugural AFL coach despite Melbourne's interest in Nathan Buckley.
The former Collingwood player and head coach has spent four years outside the club landscape but appears poised to re-enter amid interest from the Demons, as well as the Devils.
Melbourne is on the hunt for a new senior coach after farewelling premiership coach Simon Goodwin, and is understood to have listed 15 names as potential candidates.
Buckley is the raging favourite.
But Devils CEO Brendon Gale said his club won't "jump at shadows".
"I've had a number of different discussions with a range of people, but I've been pretty clear it's not of pressing urgency for us," Gale said, according to AFL Media.
"There's a list of stuff. There's VFL, there's coaching, and that hasn't changed, so we just can't jump at shadows. There's a group of people I'll keep in touch with, but we have to stick to our timelines."
Along with Buckley, experienced coaches John Longmire, Adam Simpson, Ken Hinkley, and Chris Scott have all been flagged as options, with only the latter still among the caper.
Brisbane's Chris Fagan, albeit contracted until the end of 2027, has also been linked with Tasmania, given he is from the Apple Isle.
However, the Hinkley proposition has intrigued Gale, following his recent departure from a 13-year tenure at Port Adelaide.
The former Power coach has said he'll spend time away from the game, but does appear keen to remain in football.
"Ken's a bloke I have great respect for. He's a great football person and I think he's done a fine job," Gale said.
"Port, from the outside, looks a tough club to manage, and it's a pretty hostile environment over there. I thought the Tigers were tough. I think he's done a fine job, and he's a person I'd absolutely be interested in having a chat with."
It comes as Tasmania is pushing to be included in the 2026 VFL/W season, ahead of its anticipated entry into the AFLW competition in 2027 and the AFL the following year.
Gale said entry into the state-league competition is a "priority" and will be a "significant step forward" for the Devils.
Jeromey Webberley, who coaches the Tasmania Devils U18s side and has coached the senior academy in representative matches in recent years, is expected to serve as men's coach.
