A former Richmond player with strong links to grassroots footy has been named Tasmania's inaugural VFL coach as the club gears up for an AFL debut in 2028.
Jeromey Webberley, who played 16 games with the Tigers in the early 2010s, has taken the reins ahead of the Devils' entry into the second-tier competition in 2026.
The 37-year-old Tasmanian has already set his sights on luring players with AFL experience and a host of ex-pats plying their trade in mainland leagues.
"We're building this VFL program to underpin the AFL and AFLW program," Webberley said.
"We want to be competitive and win games clearly but we want to have that development mindset.
"These first 12 months in the program is really about laying the platform, a strong foundation.
"There are going to be some character-building moments but we want to make sure we've got the right people in place."
The Devils have a tight preparation ahead of running out VFL and VFLW teams, with a coach for the women's outfit expected to be announced in two or three weeks.
VFL player signing announcements are expected in coming weeks.
Webberley, a premiership-winner at Tasmanian state level, has been coaching the Devils' boys and girls sides and the club's senior academy men's team.
Devils head of VFL and VFLW Aaron Pidgeon said it was important the club had a Tasmanian in the role.
"His reputation and his relationships right around Tasmania and interstate are outstanding," Pidgeon said.
"He's got a fantastic track record of getting players drafted and making meaningful contributions."
Webberley said he was ecstatic to get the job and hoped the club's decision to leave two rookie list spots open for VFL and VFLW players would prove a big recruiting carrot.
The Devils in May secured the services of gun recruiter Derek Hine, who spent more than two decades at Collingwood and put together premiership-winning lists.
Tasmania's licence for entry into the AFL and AFLW in 2028 is contingent on the construction of a new stadium in Hobart.
The contentious $945 million project must be voted through both houses of state parliament to get the green light.
It has the support of the Liberal government and Labor opposition but needs the backing of several independents to get through the upper house.
