Key Appointments Commence Club Football Department Build

The Tasmania Football Club (TFC) is delighted to announce two major appointments to its football department.

The first is highly respected AFL recruiting figure Derek Hine who is starting as the Club's inaugural Head of Recruiting.

And second, Todd Patterson steps into the role of Head of List Management & Strategy.

These appointments are significant for the Devils, not only key positions, but its first Football Department appointments, clearly moving the Club into its build phase.

Derek Hine joins the Devils after more than two decades of outstanding service at the Collingwood Football Club, where he played a pivotal role in building premiership-winning teams and finals-contending lists through astute drafting and talent identification.

Widely regarded as one of the most experienced and accomplished recruiting managers in the AFL industry, Hine's appointment marks a major milestone as the club continues to build a strong foundation ahead of its AFL and AFLW entries.

CEO Brendon Gale welcomed the appointment, describing Hine as a "significant addition" to the rapidly evolving Club.

"Derek brings a wealth of experience, insight and credibility to our Club. He has a proven track record, and his passion for talent identification and team building aligns perfectly with our vision for the Tasmania Devils," Gale said.

"We're committed to establishing a strong and sustainable football system, and to attract someone of Derek's calibre at this formative stage speaks volumes about what we're creating. It's a really exciting time for football in this state."

Incoming Head of Recruiting Derek Hine said he was energised by the opportunity to help shape a new era of Tasmanian football.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help build a club from the ground up and to be part of something truly historic. Tasmania has always been a proud football state, and the chance to contribute to the development of its own AFL Club is incredibly special," he said.

"In my discussions with Brendon and Alistair Lynch I have been truly inspired by the culture of excellence, teamwork and community that the Tasmania Devils Football Club already embodies."

"I look forward to working closely with our football leaders to establish a list and culture that Tasmanians can be proud of for generations to come."

Todd Patterson joins the TFC from the Melbourne Football Club (MFC) where he played a pivotal role in the club's AFLW Premiership in 2022 and consistently contended at the top end of the competition.

CEO Brendon Gale welcomed the appointment, describing Patterson as a real talent with rich combination experience across men's and women's programs and an insatiable appetite to contribute to the success of Tasmania's Club.

"Todd is known for his planning, strong talent ID credentials and deep analytical approach, he brings a balanced, data-informed and values-driven style to building lists and managing football strategy."

"With experience across both the men's and women's elite programs, Todd is uniquely placed to help establish the TFC inaugural AFL and AFLW lists, building competitive, connected, and sustainable squads from the ground up."

Incoming Head of List Management and Strategy Todd Patterson is keen to get his sleeves rolled up in the new role.

"As a proud Tasmanian the opportunity to help build the teams that will represent our state in the AFL and AFLW is something that stirs immense pride and determination inside of me."

"The hard work has started well before today, but from a football sense it is time now to roll our sleeves up and leave no stone unturned to build the most competitive teams that we can."

"The opportunity to play with the Devils is a unique career opportunity for our potential players. The facilities and lifestyle that Tasmania offers help athletes maximise their potential."

Hine and Patterson commence their roles in May.