Tasmanian Team of the Century winger Rodney Eade has lauded the “transformational” official arrival of the Tasmanian Devils.
Eade, a four-time Hawthorn premiership player originally from Glenorchy in Hobart, said the impact of the AFL’s 19th club would be felt well beyond the Macquarie Point Stadium precinct ticked off in Parliament.
“This is great for the youth, the girls and boys in Tassie. It makes them aspirational,” Eade told Zero Hanger. “It will have a positive impact on communities throughout the state.
“Country clubs are the hubs of towns. Kids can now aim to play for their local team and then aspire to go further from there to play at the highest level in their own state.
“A lot of community clubs have been struggling and closing down. This will be transformative, for the better.”
The former Sydney, Western Bulldogs and Gold Coast coach said his home state had been a “bit slow” in growth.
“This will give it impetus, like Mona (Hobart’s Museum of Old and New Art),” Eade said.
VARIOUS CITIES, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 18: Rodney Eade and Jessica Wuetschner prepare to unveil the new team colours during a media opportunity announcing the details for the Tasmanian AFL team, at Hobart Theatre Royal on March 18, 2024 in Various Cities, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)
The Devils are in line to join the AFL in 2028, with the appointment of a senior coach and further football department roles to come as early as next year.Â
Tasmania will field teams in the VFL and VFLW in 2026.Â