Arabic version: شياطين تسمانيا يحتفلون ببلوغ نهائيات دوري VFL في موسمهم الأول

According to ABC News, the Tasmania Devils have reached the VFL top four in their first season and will face Geelong in a qualifying final at Kardinia Park this weekend. A victory would secure the Devils a home preliminary final.

Devils VFL boss Aaron Pidgeon described the achievement as a minor miracle. Twelve months ago, the club had no players or playing jumper and was working to persuade footballers to move to Tasmania. The AFL had also raised concerns about the side’s competitiveness and its ability to fund a VFL program estimated at about $2 million per season.

The club initially considered entering the competition on a part-time basis before choosing a full-time model. Its opening VFL match, a win over Coburg at North Hobart Oval, drew 10,634 spectators. The team’s club song had only been approved the night before, leaving players unable to properly sing it after the game.

After a 25-point loss to Carlton at Bellerive, Tasmania increased its focus on stoppage discipline and a whole-of-team defensive system. The Devils then won seven of their final 10 games, with two losses decided by a combined 11 points. Coach Jeromey Webberley said the team began to recognise in the middle of the season that it could win finals football.

The Devils train from an agricultural shed north of Hobart that doubles as a gym and warm-up area, while their future $120 million training base is planned for Kingborough. The side has also dealt with ground approvals, travel delays, missing playing kit and injuries while playing home matches across North Hobart, Bellerive, York Park and Dial Park. The VFL program is part of Tasmania’s pathway to entering the AFL in 2028.