“Trust in my body”: Devils recruit keen to represent Tasmania

Proud Tasmanian Hugh Dixon is looking forward to spearheading the Devils' forward line.

The former West Coast Eagle and Fremantle player has returned home after a stint at Southport following his time at the top level. 

I always had plans to come back to Tasmania in the long-term and then the opportunity came up to play footy at a high level down here and with the AFL team looming for a third lifeline all those things fell into line and so I came back.

"I'm a very proud Tasmanian, I love the state, I love the people down here, it's brought me a lot of good things in my life and to be able to repay that on the footy field will be a massive honour," Dixon told Zero Hanger.

"They're a passionate bunch so I can't wait for Round 1."

Up to 11,000 people are expected to pack into North Hobart Oval for the season opener against Coburg on March 21.

There is an expectation within the club, the state and wider football industry that Tasmania will compete quickly after assembling an impressive list.

Part of the leadership group, with 38 games of AFL experience and after kicking 83 goals across his last two VFL seasons, Dixon will have a significant role to play.

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“There's a long list of things I'd do differently (if I got another chance). Things I'd like to do more and things I'd do less of. With the AFL you learn a lot,” Dixon said.

“My career was up and down - I had some good moments and had some moments I wasn't as focussed or committed as I should be and with this group looking to learn off us, there's knowledge I can pass on that can help them along their journey.”

Now 26, injuries limited Dixon as a younger player, but having played 36 games across the past two seasons, the 197cm forward is confident that a consistent year awaits as he pushes for a return to the top level.

“In the last three or four years I've stayed injury-free, which has given me trust in my body and trust in the work I'm doing off-field, putting me in good stead,” Dixon said. 

“I'm doing the little things in the gym more now, prehab and rehab so those injuries don't come back and I've developed a bit and my body got stronger after being a lanky and loose young fella.

“I think I've added some one-on-one marking and strength to my game and my athletic profile and as you get older you learn about the game and become more of a student from playing on different opponents and figure out what did and didn't work against them.”

Tasmania coach Jeromey Webberley highlighted what Dixon would bring to the new colours.

"I think clubs build off big guys in front of the ball who allow you to get field position and Hugh's a proven commodity at the level so we know what we're going to get and it's great to have him back in Tasmania playing for the jumper again," Webberley said.

"He's fantastic around the group with engagement. He's such a loveable character and he's brought a level of energy