Tiger Jeromey Webberley named as coach of inaugural Tasmania Devils men's VFL side

Jeromey Webberley has been announced as the inaugural senior coach of the Tasmania Devils VFL men's side ahead of the club's entry into the competition next season.

Webberley has worked his way up the coaching ranks in Tasmania after playing 16 AFL games with Richmond, starting at Clarence in 2016, and then the Devils junior sides in 2021.

He has been coaching the Devils' Talent League boys and girls sides and senior academy men's side.

Webberley said he is "ecstatic" at being appointed at a key moment in the Devils' history.

"We've got obviously facility challenges, we've got to get that sorted. We've got a list to build and then I've got to bring in support staff.

"There's going to be some character-building moments, no doubt, and there's going to be some challenges, but we want to make sure we've got the right people in place."

Preseason for the Devils' VFL men's side starts in about two months

The club plans to host a series of regional trials, while targeting delisted AFL players and returning Tasmanians from second tier leagues.

The club has promised at least two AFL rookie list positions for men's and women's players who play for the VFL side in 2026 and 2027.

They will come up against established VFL clubs, as well as a growing number of AFL men's reserves teams competing in the VFL.

Devils head of VFL and VFLW, Aaron Pidgeon, said it's a key moment in the club's development, and he believes Webberley can lay strong foundations.

"His reputation, his relationships right around Tasmania and interstate are outstanding, so we couldn't be happier to have Jeromey on board."

A coach for the VFL women's side is expected to be announced later this month.

The Devils will enter the AFL men's and women's competitions in 2028.

A long road ahead

The Devils have a series of challenges and short timeframes to overcome in the coming months and years.

The Tasmanian Planning Commission is expected to hand down its final report into the proposed Macquarie Point stadium on September 17.

The report could make a range of recommendations before it goes to a vote in Tasmanian Parliament.

Both the Liberal government and Labor opposition support the stadium, and several independents will be needed in the upper house for it to progress.

There will be financial penalties if the stadium is not ready in time for the 2029 season.

Work is yet to start on the Devils' high-performance centre at Kingston, south of Hobart.

The relocation of the proposal from the Rosny parklands caused delays, and the government earlier this year announced a $45 million blowout.

The government believes the centre can be completed by October 2027, ahead of the Devils' first full preseason before entering the AFL.

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