Three key components of Tassie VFL build

Three key components have underpinned Tasmania's VFL list build ahead of its return to the competition for the first time since 2008.

Returning seasoned locals, existing local talent and aspirational mainlanders were the targets for the Devils, who have assembled a list expected to contend for finals in 2026.

"We want to make our program very aspirational," coach Jeromey Webberley told Zero Hanger.

"We want people to believe they can be on our AFL list in 2028 or they can further advance their footy with our program."

Within that process that the Devils followed was a key question: which prospective players could conceivably be on the Devils' inaugural AFL list in two years.

Providing a carrot for players to come on the journey with the VFL club, Tasmania has promised at least two golden tickets onto its AFL list for players in the state-league side across the next two years.

Several players have spoken of how that was a factor in their signature, but have arrived with the right attitude: to buy into a program that isn't interested in wasting time.

"I think the big thing is we want to be extremely competitive from day one, we're not shying away from that," Webberley said.

"And then it's about enhancement of individuals both on and off the field and playing with our own identity and our own brand and development across the board."

Webberley understands Tasmanian footy better than most, having come straight from coaching the club's U18s program.

Mentoring many of the young brigade in the previous role, his knowledge of players and their characters has been an important resource as the club makes its list decisions.

He also has strong ties with community clubs across the state, with his investment in local footy mutually beneficial as the club seeks to provide a clear pathway for hard working local footballers. 

"We want to continue promoting and growing our club and continuing to build correctly as we build towards (the AFL team in) 2028," Webberley said.

"We've leant into (state pride): we want to link into our history and understand where we have come from - we've got representatives from every region of Tassie - but we also want to create our own fresh identity."

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Vice-captain Jye Menzie and skipper Robbie Fox were the early marquee signatures which provided the club with a vision to sell.

They will be supported by Hugh Dixon, Caleb Mitchell and Brad Cox-Goodyer in the leadership group, with Dixon, Mitchell, Cameron Owen and Geordie Payne also bringing AFL experience.

"They've been awesome," Webberley said of the former AFL listers.

"The one thing I've been really impressed with is their commitment to want to give back and be really good players and chase that golden ticket opportunity our club has presented but also, they're here for the right reasons. 

"Their investment, communications, standards and interaction has been fantastic.

"It's a great stepping stone for local Tasmanians who can now stay at home and pursue footy at the next level surrounded by former AFL players which is something people in our state have never had for a period of time."

Alongside the former AFL-listed players, Southport defender Nick Williams, overlooked draftees Jack Miller and Rory Wright and Jack Callinan - the son of former Adelaide Crow Ian - are recognisable names on the list. 

Payne arrives at Tasmania after 18 months at North Melbourne where he struggled to crack the senior lineup as a pressure forward, managing just three games.

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Noting his flexibility, Webberley expects Payne to start forward as he fights for another AFL opportunity.  

"I think we can expect Geordie Payne to bring what he always does in terms of aggression and physicality and intensity he brings to the game," Webberley said.

"We're really excited to have him in Tassie colours again and hopefully he can become a real leader of the team like he was through our U18s campaign a couple of years ago."

Hype in the Apple Isle is palpable ahead of its first game back on March 21 against Coburg.

The Devils will bring footy to Hobart, Launceston and Penguin throughout the season, with a home Anzac Day clash another highlight of the VFL fixture, released last week.

"The excitement for what's to come within Tasmania is ridiculous," Webberley said.

"You're getting stopped in the streets to talk about footy all the time and it's almost like the VFL program is being treated like a bit of an AFL program.

"The state is so keen to get footy back here, the state is so keen to be represented."

East Fremantle recruit Jed Hagan was nominated by Webberley, as well as teammates Dixon and Menzie, as the standout of pre-season, four years after being strongly in draft contention. 

"He's been really impressive across the course of pre-season. He's been really professional, he runs really well, he makes great decisions with the footy so we're excited about what he's going to deliver."