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List, draft concessions for AFLW Devils revealed

Tasmania's AFLW side will get the top draft pick for their inaugural season and the ability to sign up to 18 existing players via a special free-agency model.

The league's commission on Wednesday confirmed seven list and draft concessions for the Devils, who are slated to enter the women's and men's competitions in 2028.

They include picks number one, five, nine, 14 and 24 for the inaugural draft, and the first selection of every subsequent round.

The club will also get picks four and eight in year two, as well as access to a signing bonus pool of 33% of total player payments to build their maiden list.

Tasmania can sign up to 18 existing AFLW players via an expansion free-agency model.

Players can elect to opt out of their contract to join Tasmania, subject to club protections on contracted players, caps on player departures and compensation for player losses.

However, clubs can protect a minimum of three or maximum of 12 players who are under contract from joining the Devils, with a scale based on ladder position to determine the figure.

AFL general manager of football operations Laura Kane said thorough consultation had been undertaken with other clubs to create the concessions.

"It's important when Tasmania enters the competition that we've given them the best chance to be competitive on the field," she said.

"It's another step forward as we look forward to welcoming the Tassie Devils into the competition."

An additional four list spots, spread across years two and three, will be available, as will priority access to Tasmanian pathway players for four years.

The Devils in September locked in build concessions for their AFL side, which included the top draft pick and $5 million to attract stars from rival clubs.

"These rules are fundamental to how we establish our inaugural lists and how we enter the respective competitions in 2028," CEO Brendon Gale said.

A $1.13 billion roofed waterfront stadium, a condition of the Devils' licence, was approved by Tasmania's parliament in early December.

The government says the venue will be ready for the 2029 season, but Gale conceded the club was bracing for it to be a year behind schedule.

The Devils will field teams in the VFL and VFLW competitions in 2026.