Tasmania coach says her Devils women’s team will form the basis of the state’s first VFLW outfit
A former AFLW player, who led Tasmania to victory over Norwood, may be the right choice to lead Tasmania into its first VFLW season in 2026. Here’s why.
Tasmania’s top women’s players have laid the first stone in the foundation of the Devils VFLW side in 2026 and former AFLW Bulldog and Sydney Swan Sarah Skinner has thrown her hat into the ring to be the team’s inaugural captain.
In her first senior game wearing the revered “Map” guernsey at the Twin Ovals on Sunday, Skinner led the Devils to an inspired win over SANFL club Norwood in a thriller.
Skinner, who played nine AFLW games between the Bulldogs and Swans, was a force in the middle for Tasmania.
Devils coach Jodie Clifford said her overt leadership was why Skinner was given the captaincy, despite it being her senior state debut.
“She’s the right person for the job with her footy knowledge, and the way she goes about it is phenomenal,” she said.
The Devils came from behind in the final term, driven by Skinner and her midfield crew, and with forward Lucy Thompson kicking two of her three goals in the final term to get Tasmania over the line.
Clifford said the courageous win spoke volumes about her girls.
“It says they are all heart,” she said.
“What we saw in the last quarter was that they are prepared to play for each other.
“That’s the sign of a good team.
“It’s not about individuals and accolades, it’s about what they can do all together.
“They’re great, they are so coachable and I’m so happy to be a part of it.”
Clifford can see future Tasmania VFLW players in her team.
“We talk about how everything we do in 2025 is in preparation for 2026,” she said.
“We have really built this squad around what next year looks like.
“We’ve got a lot of youth in there and a lot of depth and a great mix of experience.
“We are hoping this whole team takes us through to the VFL next year.
The Tasmanian women have two weeks to prepare for their next challenge against VFLW team Port Melbourne at UTas Stadium on March 15.
Originally published as Tasmania coach says her Devils women’s team will form the basis of the state’s first VFLW outfit
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