Tasmanian Devils to enter the AFL in 2026?

There is a growing belief that Tasmania will enter the AFL in the next ten years, and potentially sooner.

Many supported the idea of Tasmania getting a team before recent expansion sides Gold Coast and GWS, but now it could be only a matter of time before Australian’s most southern state receives a license.

Tim Watson and Dwayne Russell agreed that a Tassie side is likely to join the competition in the next decade.

“Yes, I think so,” Watson told SEN Breakfast.

“In the next 10 years, yes.

“I think a standalone team. I really think that’s going to be the case.”

Russell believes that while re-branding one of the current sides is an option, a standalone team is more likely.

“I think we’re locked in to getting a team in Tassie. I think Tassie’s definitely going to be in 2026,” Russell said.

“I think we’ll get a Tassie team and it will wear the green traditional Tassie state jumper with the map of Tassie on the front and it’s going to be called the Tassie Devils.

“I reckon there’s still a sneaky chance they try and re-brand or talk a Gold Coast or a North Melbourne into heading down there.”