Tasmania’s VFL squad signing spree has continued to lure ex-AFL talent to the Apple Isle for the Devils’ maiden season, with former West Coast and Fremantle key forward Hugh Dixon the club’s latest signing.
Dixon will join Tasmania after two seasons with Southport, where the 26-year-old enjoyed a dominant patch of form.
The 197cm attacker kicked 94 goals in 40 games for the Queensland club, including a haul of 13 majors in May against the Northern Bullants.
Dixon’s spell in the VFL came after a successful stint with WAFL outfit East Fremantle, deciding to remain in Western Australia after playing for Fremantle and West Coast at the top level.
Dixon was drafted to the Dockers in 2017 out of Kingborough and would play one game in purple against Port Adelaide in 2019.
He would be delisted at the end of 2020 before heading to the Sharks, only to return to the AFL with West Coast for the 2022 season.
MANDURAH, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 29: Hugh Dixon of the Dockers lines up a kick on goal during the 2020 Marsh Community Series match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Carlton Blues at David Grays Arena on February 29, 2020 in Mandurah, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Dixon played 10 games that year, booting four goals in a difficult campaign for the Eagles.
The Tasmanian now has hit sights on a return to the top flight, joining the Devils’ VFL side ahead of the club’s AFL expansion.
“I’m really excited to be coming back home to Tassie,” he said.
“The opportunity was presented to me a couple of months ago and after a bit of thinking and deliberating and talking to family, I came to the decision to sign with the Devils.
“I think it’s a really good opportunity for me with another potential AFL lifeline when the AFL team comes in, but also the chance to represent Tassie at VFL level as well.
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 25: Hugh Dixon of the Eagles celebrates a goal during an AFL practice match between the West Coast Eagles and the Fremantle Dockers at Mineral Resources Park on February 25, 2022 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
“I know what it takes and it would be an absolute honour to pull on the jumper for Tassie and represent them at the highest level but I would be really happy to go anywhere to play AFL again.”
Dixon joins fellow ex-AFL names Robbie Fox, Jye Menzue, Cameron Owen and Caleb Mitchell in signing for the Devils’ VFL squad for 2026.
Tasmania have promised to recruit at least two players from its state league squad to its AFL list ahead of the club’s expected first season at the top level in 2028.