Tasmania Devils aim high in maiden VFL finals series

This time last year, the Tasmania Devils hadn't signed a single VFL player.

Now, they're preparing for a top-four week-one finals showdown, with a win to get the expansion club within one game of a grand final.

The Devils debuted in the VFL - the tier below the AFL which the fledgling franchise will enter in 2028 - in March in front of a packed North Hobart Oval crowd.

They walked a tightrope in the final two rounds of the regular season, winning both games to secure fourth spot and a clash against minor premiers Geelong next weekend.

"It's a beautiful opportunity we've got," coach Jeromey Webberley told reporters on Thursday.

"It is critical not to ride the wave of emotion (but) there is a sense of excitement and optimism within the group.

"We believe that we can take anyone in the competition if we play well for long periods of time."

The club pushed hard to secure two years of VFL and VFLW competition to put their systems to the test before their AFL and AFLW entry.

The very early signs are promising - the Devils finished above 12 AFL-affiliated outfits in the 22-team VFL.

The club has overcome the loss of Jaxon Artemis (Essendon) and Max Mapley (Melbourne) during the mid-season rookie draft.

Some key signings, including two-time AFL grand finalist and captain Robbie Fox, have missed considerable football.

Teenage midfielder Lachy Hay, who joined the Devils from Victorian country football, had never played at VFL level before but has appeared in every game this season.

"To be in the top four on the eve of a finals campaign is really exciting," he said.

Hay paid tribute to the Devils' depth and the support from fans on both sides of Bass Strait.