The Tasmania Devils have announced the appointment of their inaugural VFL coach as the club prepares to enter the VFL and VFLW competitions in 2026.
Tasmania have chosen homegrown coaching talent and former Richmond Tigers midfielder Jeromey Webberley as the senior coach for the VFL side.
Webberley was a star of the Tasmania State League in the late 2000s, winning a premiership with Clarence in 2009 and being named Association Player of the Year that same season. He was drafted by the Tigers in the fifth round of the 2009 National Draft and ultimately played 16 games for the club between 2010 and 2012, primarily as a midfielder.
Webberley boasts an array of coaching experience he will bring to the role for Tasmania, having most recently led the Tasmania Devils Coates Talent League program since 2021.
"I feel incredibly humbled, grateful, and honoured to be given the opportunity to coach the inaugural Tasmania Devils VFL team," Webberley said.
"I recognise the magnitude and significance of this role, as well as the work that lies ahead.
"Like all Tasmanians, I'll be rolling up my sleeves and giving my absolute best for our state."
Webberley's time with the Tassie Coates Talent League program could be crucial to luring 2026 AFL draft prospects from Tasmania to elect to sign with the Devils instead of entering that year's draft. The list concession would allow for the prospects to play in the Devils' VFL side the following year, ahead of the club's AFL debut in 2028.
Tasmania's Head of VFL and VFLW, Aaron Pidgeon, highlighted this sentiment, believing Webberley's skill set will be instrumental to their AFL list build for their entry into the competition in 2028.
“Tasmania Football Club are delighted to have appointed our first coach in Jeromey Webberley. We believe Jeromey is the ideal coach to develop our emerging talent as we embark on our AFL list build leading into 2028, whilst balancing the need to be immediately competitive in the VFL competition and to provide an exciting brand of football that unites and inspires the Tasmanian community," Pidgeon said.
“Jeromey's experience, track record, passion for Tasmania, existing relationships in the football industry, and willingness to embrace the unique challenges presented by a state-wide program, positioned him as an outstanding candidate for this position."
