The Tasmania Devils have secured the signatures of former Collingwood star recruiter Derek Hine and former Melbourne list manager Todd Patterson for two key off-field roles ahead of their induction into the AFL.
Hine has been announced as the inaugural Head of Recruiting for the Devils, with Patterson set to become the club's Head of List Management and Strategy.
The additions to Tasmania's football department signify the beginning stages of their list build, with the club looking to lure players away from the mainland ahead of their proposed introduction into the AFL in 2028.
Hine, who has spent most of his career as a National Recruiter and List Manager, joins Tasmania after departing a highly accomplished two-decade-long stint at the Magpies in December last year.
"Derek brings a wealth of experience, insight and credibility to our Club. He has a proven track record, and his passion for talent identification and team building aligns perfectly with our vision for the Tasmania Devils," Tasmania CEO Brendon Gale said.
"We're committed to establishing a strong and sustainable football system, and to attract someone of Derek's calibre at this formative stage speaks volumes about what we're creating. It's a really exciting time for football in this state."
Hine looked forward to help build the foundations of Tasmanian football in the AFL in a role he called a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity".
"In my discussions with Brendon and Alistair Lynch, I have been truly inspired by the culture of excellence, teamwork and community that the Tasmania Devils Football Club already embodies," Hine said. "I look forward to working closely with our football leaders to establish a list and culture that Tasmanians can be proud of for generations to come."
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help build a club from the ground up and to be part of something truly historic. Tasmania has always been a proud football state, and the chance to contribute to the development of its own AFL Club is incredibly special."
Patterson leaves the Demons after eight years at the club, a critical figure in the premiership success of their 2021 AFL and 2022 AFLW sides. The Tasmanian aims to bring that premiership pedigree to his home state, determined to bring success to the Devils' men's and women's teams.
"Whilst excited for this opportunity, it's with a heavy heart I depart Melbourne," Patterson said. "This club has become my home away from home, and I'll always consider myself a Melbourne person. The opportunities and mentorship I've been provided... has led me to this opportunity, and I'll miss this special club and the people within it.โ
"As a proud Tasmanian, the opportunity to help build the teams that will represent our state in the AFL and AFLW is something that stirs immense pride and determination inside of me. The hard work has started well before today, but from a football sense it is time now to roll our sleeves up and leave no stone unturned to build the most competitive teams that we can."
Gale highlighted Patterson's success and proven capability to build premiership-calibre squads.
"Todd is known for his planning, strong talent ID credentials and deep analytical approach. He brings a balanced, data-informed and values-driven style to building lists and managing football strategy," Gale said.
"With experience across both the men's and women's elite programs, Todd is uniquely placed to help establish the TFC inaugural AFL and AFLW lists, building competitive, connected, and sustainable squads from the ground up."
Hine and Patterson will commence their roles at the club this month, but there have already been reports about potential targets for the Devils. Out-of-contract star ruckman Tom De Koning has been sighted as a target down the track, while current Tasmanian AFL talents such as North Melbourne's Coly McKercher have been linked to the club.
"The opportunity to play with the Devils is a unique career opportunity for our potential players. The facilities and lifestyle that Tasmania offers help athletes maximise their potential," Patterson said.
