Tasmania have secured the services of two key personnel as they ramp up their preparations to join the AFL in 2028.
The Devils announced on Monday the first football department appointments, with Derek Hine to head up recruitment, and Todd Patterson in charge of list management and strategy.
Hine joins after a long and decorated stint at Collingwood in which he helped build lists which won premiership and regularly contended for the finals.
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"Derek brings a wealth of experience, insight and credibility to our club," Tasmania CEO Brendon Gale said.
"He has a proven track record, and his passion for talent identification and team building aligns perfectly with our vision for the Tasmania Devils."
Hine, who departed the Pies after more than 20 years at the club in December, said he was excited by the opportunity in front of him.
"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," Hine said.
"Tasmania has always been a proud football state, and the chance to contribute to the development of its own AFL club is incredibly special."
Patterson joins the club after a successful stint at Melbourne, working as list manager for the AFLW side, as well as in a scouting role for the men's team.
Originally from Tasmania, Patterson spoke of his keenness to dive into the challenge ahead.
"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," Patterson said.
"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."
Hine, Patterson and others will now set about putting together AFL and AFLW playing lists ahead of the club's inclusion into the competition from 2028.