# Tasmania Devils AFL entry preparations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/20260929-tasmania-devils-afl-entry-preparations
> Updated: 2026-10-03T16:30:00.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 3.

The Tasmania Devils, scheduled to debut in the AFL and AFLW in 2028, are progressing with organizational preparations despite delays regarding their primary venue. CEO Brendon Gale noted that the $1.13 billion Macquarie Point Stadium is not expected to be ready until the 2031 season, meaning the club will initially split home games between Bellerive Oval and UTAS Stadium.

To mitigate infrastructure delays, the club is focusing on its 9,000-square-meter high-performance centre to support recruitment. The team has announced its first eight player signings, utilizing AFL list concessions to secure a mix of interstate talent and local prospects. Notable signings include Western Australian forward-ruck Axel Walsh and Tasmanian native Hugh McCallum, who chose to bypass the draft to join the club for its inaugural season. Coach Ken Hinkley expressed excitement regarding the talent and skill sets of the new group.

Following the appointment of the head coach and head of development, the club is now seeking to fill assistant coaching roles. Potential candidates identified for the 19th AFL club include several highly-credentialed individuals, some with Tasmanian ties, such as Jeromey Webberley, Chris Fagan, and Jade Rawlings. Other prospects under consideration include Zane Littlejohn and Justin Plapp.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-03: Tasmania Devils target assistant coaches for AFL debut

The Tasmania Devils are looking to appoint assistant coaches, with Tasmanian-linked candidates like Zane Littlejohn and Justin Plapp among the potential targets for Ken Hinkley's staff.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tasmania-devils-target-assistant-coaches-for-afl-debut

### 2026-09-29: Tasmania Devils announce first eight player signings

The Tasmania Devils have announced their first eight player signings ahead of their 2028 AFL entry, including top prospect Axel Walsh and local talent Hugh McCallum.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tasmania-devils-announce-first-eight-player-signings

### 2026-09-15: Tasmania Devils CEO downplays stadium delays for player recruitment

Tasmania Devils CEO Brendon Gale says the lack of a completed stadium will not impact player recruitment for the club's 2028 AFL and AFLW debuts.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tasmania-devils-ceo-downplays-stadium-delays-for-player-recruitment

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Cite as: Tasmania Devils AFL entry preparations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/20260929-tasmania-devils-afl-entry-preparations