THE RECENT granting of an AFL and AFLW licence to Tasmania will see a 19th team join the AFLW competition in the future.

While the men's side is expected to enter in 2028, a timeline for the women's is yet to be set, and further details are scarce.

But which Tasmanian locals currently playing AFLW might be at the top of the wishlist down the track?

Many of the players will not yet have aged into the AFLW system and are playing for Under-18 side Tassie Devils in the Coates Talent League, or in junior and local competitions in the state.

Mia King stands as the ideal target for the new Tasmanian side, the young North Melbourne midfielder is turning 22 this year and just coming into her own at the top level.

Teammates Nicole Bresnehan and Ellie Gavalas (currently 26 and 27 respectively), who were both in North Melbourne's leadership group last season, may be in the veteran bracket by the time the Tassie team comes into the competition.

While the Kangaroos have a long-standing women's football alliance with the southern state, Essendon is a club that has a surprising number of Tasmanians on its list.

Nicole Bresnehan and Jack Riewoldt pose with junior Tasmanian footballers during the AFL Tasmanian license announcement on May 3, 2023. Picture: AFL Photos

Key defenders Ellyse Gamble (25) and Brooke Brown (26) hail from Tasmania, as do forwards Daria Bannister (24) and Jess Wuetschner (31).

Greater Western Sydney landed young speedy pair Madi Brazendale (20) and Meghan Gaffney (20) last year, while Gold Coast's coach Cam Joyce used to run Tasmania's talent pathways, with Ella Maurer (21) and Claire Ransom (19) joining their former coach up north.

West Coast's Emma Humphries (28) has also been involved off-field with Tasmania's talent pathways, and Richmond midfielder Meagan Kiely (also 28) made the move north in order to further her footy.

Port Adelaide youngster Lily Johnson (19) rounds out the Tasmanians currently on AFLW lists.

04:59

Footy Feed: Tassie footy's biggest day

Sarah Olle with all the news from Hobart as the AFL announces Tasmania will become the 19th team in the AFL and AFLW competitions.

FORMER AFLW PLAYERS CURRENTLY IN STATE LEAGUES

  • Jessie Williams (North Melbourne rookie, now Port Melbourne)
  • Sarah Skinner (Sydney, now Western Bulldogs VFLW)
  • Perri King (North Melbourne, now Williamstown)
  • Britt Gibson (North Melbourne, now North Melbourne VFLW)
  • Courtney Webb was on Carlton's list as a rookie, but is currently playing cricket with South Australia and the Melbourne Renegades
  • Former Roo Abbey Green is playing and coaching local footy with Old Launcestonians