Tasmania Devils are preparing for their historic entry into the AFL in 2028 by doubling down on history this season.
On Saturday, March 21, they will host Coburg at North Hobart Oval in their twin debut: as a club and in the VFL competition.
The club is expecting a sell-out crowd to witness their debut, says head of football operations Aaron Pidgeon.
“We are looking forward to welcoming Coburg to Tasmania
and putting on a great display for those in attendance.”
He says that during the VFL season, their games will be played across the south, north and north-west of the island state.
The full men’s and women’s fixtures have been released.
MEN’S AND WOMEN’S DEVILS
After the season opener, the Devils meet Port Melbourne at UTAS Stadium, Launceston, on March 29 before their first away game: in Melbourne against Frankston at Kinetic Stadium on Good Friday (April 3).
The Devils will then enjoy a two-week break before returning home to host Carlton on ANZAC Day at Hobart’s Ninja Stadium on April 25.
May 16 will see the Devils host the first of six VFL and VFLW double-headers; their women’s team open their inaugural season against the Casey Demons at North Hobart Oval on that date.
The Devils will also host a VFL-VFLW doubleheader in Launceston on Saturday, June 13, and another at Dial Park in Penguin on Saturday, July 4.
With the full fixture for 13 rounds release, only matchups and locations for the final seven rounds have been confirmed as part of the VFL’s rolling fixture.
The Devils’ will play six home matches at Hobart, three at Launceston and one at Penguin while the women’s side will play four games at Hobart, two at Launceston and one at Penguin.
The Devils men will travel interstate eight times during the season, and seven times for the women, playing at 22 venues this season.
“We encourage all Devils members to show their support and be part of a historic Tasmanian moment,” Pidgeon says.
COACH WARY
The VFL side’s coach, Jeromey Webberley, says they are managing expectations.
“Our squad has a great blend of current state representatives, returning Tasmanians and talented recruits,” he says.
“We have solid expectations about our entry into VFL and are looking forward to a competitive season.
“Our season opener against Coburg in Tassie will give us a good indication of where we are at.”
Tickets for their VFL debut will go on sale on March 10 with 2026 members to be given first access.
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