The Devils have picked Tasmania’s 2025 women’s state captain as the first player onto their VFLW list.

The Tasmania Devils have secured their first VFLW signing and the club says they “couldn’t think of anyone more fitting”.

James Bresnehan

2 min read

October 2, 2025 - 11:02AM

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Sarah Skinner in full flight for Sydney in the AFLW. She is Tasmania's first VFLW signing. Picture Dylan Burns/AFL Photos

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Home-grown star Sarah Skinner believes her experience playing at AFLW clubs Sydney and Western Bulldogs will help the Tasmania Devils launch into the maiden VFLW season in 2026, as the hunt for a women’s coach continues.

Captain of Tasmania’s women’s team in the 2025 state senior academy series, Skinner is the first signing of the Devils VFLW list, hot on the heels of fellow-Tasmanian and former Essendon AFL forward Jye Menzie being snapped up as the Devils men’s first signing on Tuesday.

A former Kangaroos VFLW player and inaugural member of the Sydney Swans AFLW team,

Sarah Skinner celebrates kicking a goal for the Sydney Swans. Photo by Phil Hillyard

Skinner cannot wait to pull on a Devils Guernsey in 2026 after playing for Devonport this year.

“The opportunity to play for Tasmania in the VFLW is something that I have dreamed about for my whole career,” Skinner said.

“The experience captaining Tasmania this year has been a career highlight for me, and I cannot wait to run out with Tasmania in the VFLW in 2026.

“I feel that my experience from playing in the AFLW and VFLW will add to this squad, and I have a strong belief that we will be competitive in this league.

“The quality of women and girls coming through the Tasmanian system is exciting and the opportunity to enter the VFLW will only accelerate that.”

Tasmania Football Club’s head of list management and strategy, Todd Patterson, said Skinner was perfect as the team’s first player.

“We couldn’t think of anyone more fitting to lead off our VFLW signings than Sarah,” Patterson said.

Devils players Kelsie Hill, Perri King, captain Sarah Skinner and coach Jodie Clifford after their win over Norwood at the Twin Ovals. Picture Solstice Digital

“She is the consummate professional, leader and competitor.

“Her contribution to football in the state has been significant and we know she has plenty left to give us yet.

“These are the sort of signings you can build your side around and will ensure that our female football program goes to the next level ready to compete in a tough competition.”

With another player signing due on Friday, Devils VFL/VFLW boss Aaron Pidgeon was delighted to kick off the women’s list with a star local.

“Sarah represents what we are about and the program we are wanting to build, we know how much this means to her to be able to play for Tasmania from home,” he said.

“Our search for our VFLW coach is continuing and we are looking forward to making an announcement on that as soon as possible.

“The quality of interest we are seeing from on-and off-field personnel for our women’s program is really pleasing and exciting.”

The Devils VFL men and women start pre-season early in November.

james.bresnehan@news.com.au

Originally published as The Devils have picked Tasmania’s 2025 women’s state captain as the first player onto their VFLW list.