The Tasmania Devils are considering allowing some of their 17-year-old pre-listed players to remain in their home states to complete their schooling before joining the club full-time. This approach is part of the Devils’ preparation ahead of their planned entry into the Victorian Football League (VFL) in 2028.

Under current arrangements, the Devils can secure up to a dozen young players a year before they become eligible for the national draft. These players are expected to compete in the Coates League or the VFL with the Devils in 2027, gaining experience before the club officially debuts the following year. However, the club is now exploring flexible options that would let some of these prospects live in Hobart and finish their secondary education locally, while others might choose to remain in their home states to complete school.

Players who opt to delay moving to Tasmania could still enter the 2027 national draft, through which the Devils could potentially recruit them. Tasmania is permitted to select up to eight players during the drafts in late 2027 and 2028, with a total of 12 players planned to be secured under the pre-listing system.

Todd Patterson, the Devils’ list manager, noted recently that many of the young athletes are receptive to the club’s proposals. This strategy aims to balance the players’ educational commitments with their development pathways, while enabling the Devils to build a competitive squad ahead of their inaugural season in the VFL.