<h2>Tasmania Devils Sign Ex-Bomber as First Ever Player - Three Point Summary:&nbsp;</h2> <p>-Tasmania Devils secure their first-ever player signing with delisted Essendon forward Jye Menzie ahead of their 2026 VFL debut</p> <p>-The North Hobart native returns home after kicking 36 goals in 47 AFL games for the Bombers since 2022</p> <p>- The Devils continue building towards their historic 2028 AFL entry with former Richmond's Jeromey Webberley as coach</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Tasmania Devils have made history by signing their inaugural player, former Essendon forward Jye Menzie, as they prepare for the VFL competition in 2026.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Tasmania Devils Mark Historic Milestone</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Tasmania Devils have reached a significant landmark in their journey towards AFL entry by securing their first-ever player signing. Jye Menzie, the recently delisted Essendon forward, will return to his home state to spearhead the Devils' attacking arsenal when they debut in the VFL next season.</p> <p>Menzie's AFL career statistics paint the picture of a reliable goal-kicker who found his feet at the highest level. After joining Essendon as a mid-season draftee in 2022, the North Hobart product managed 36 goals across 47 games before the Bombers made the difficult decision to delist him earlier this month.</p> <p>The 24-year-old's homecoming represents more than just a career opportunity – it's a chance to be part of something genuinely historic. "I am a proud Tasmanian, and I cannot wait to be involved in the build of the club from the ground up," Menzie said following the announcement.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Building the Foundation for AFL Success</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Tasmania's methodical approach to its AFL entry preparations extends well beyond player recruitment. The Devils have assembled an impressive coaching and administrative structure, with former Richmond player Jeromey Webberley taking the reins as head coach for their VFL campaign.</p> <p>Perhaps most significantly, the club secured the services of Derek Hine as Head of Recruiting – a masterstroke that could prove crucial for their long-term success. Hine's two-decade tenure at Collingwood included assembling multiple premiership-winning lists, bringing invaluable experience to Tasmania's recruitment strategy.</p> <p>The Devils will field teams in both the VFL and VFLW competitions in 2026, providing a crucial two-year development period before their anticipated AFL debut in 2028. This timeline allows the organization to establish systems, develop playing lists, and create the infrastructure necessary for sustained success at the elite level.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Stadium Hurdle Remains</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Despite the positive momentum surrounding player signings and coaching appointments, Tasmania's AFL license remains contingent on one major factor – the construction of a new stadium in Hobart. This contentious project must navigate both houses of the state parliament to receive approval.</p> <p>While the Liberal government and Labor opposition have voiced their support, the proposal requires backing from several independents to pass through the upper house. The stadium's approval represents the final piece in Tasmania's AFL puzzle, with the league maintaining that the infrastructure commitment is non-negotiable for the state's entry.</p> <p>For Menzie, the uncertainty surrounding the stadium doesn't diminish his enthusiasm for the opportunity ahead. His commitment to being part of the Devils' foundation reflects the broader excitement building around Australian football's return to Tasmania as a standalone entity.</p> <p>The signing of Jye Menzie marks the beginning of what promises to be a fascinating recruitment period for the Tasmania Devils. As they continue building towards their VFL debut and eventual AFL entry, every player acquisition will be scrutinized for its potential contribution to this historic football venture.</p>