a day ago
New AFL club planning to create unprecedented academy in Ireland
The Tasmania Devils are planning to create a first-of-its-kind academy in Ireland as they continue preparations to become the AFL's 19th team.
Per a report by 7News, Tasmania want to develop a pipeline from Ireland to Australia. They are set to conduct scouting missions to America and the UK to visit professional teams before eventually creating one of their own.
The Devils are expected to join the AFL in 2028 and the AFLW in 2027. They secured an AFL licence in 2023, although there has been recent turmoil over plans for a new stadium. Last month, AFL CEO Andrew Dillon stressed that the club must meet its licence agreement before entering the competition.
An Irish academy would mark a significant escalation in recruitment from this country. A return of the AFL-run combine is already in the works. Pre-covid, the AFL regularly hosted a European combine in Ireland where players were tested athletically in front of club scouts.
In recent years, Irish prospects have travelled to Australia to take part in the official combine. Ireland U20 rugby international and former Dublin minor David Colbert and Derry's Eoin McEvoy travelled to Melbourne last year. In 2023, four Irish players participated.
Tasmania already have two individuals familiar with Irish talent in the football department. AFL recruiting figure Derek Hine is their Head of Recruiting. He signed numerous Irish players while at Collingwood.
Former Melbourne List manager Todd Patterson was appointed as Head of List Management and Strategy.
Earlier this year, former Collingwood star and Down All-Star Marty Clarke told 3AW's Irish Invasion podcast that the prospect of Tasmania joining the AFL competition as a 19th team will force clubs to look further afield to find players.
'At the minute, my knowledge of AFL is stronger than it even was when I was a player. I love watching it. I had my time in Australia. If I can help one or two boys or girls to go across, happy days.
'I would love them to experience what I had. I just think clubs are going to have to be smart now with Tasmania coming in, if they do get the licence. They have to find players somewhere else.'
Currently, there are 13 Irish players in the AFL.
