TASMANIA'S hunt for an inaugural coach is at the pointy end, but club boss Brendan Gale is being tight-lipped about candidates.

Gale says the Devils board will soon weigh "one of the most consequential decisions" when appointing an AFL coach.

As revealed by AFL.com.au this week, ex-Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley is among the frontrunners, with experienced duo John Longmire and Ken Hinkley also touted as candidates.

But Gale is refusing to say just who is at the end of the Devils' search.

"I won't confirm or deny, I think it's inappropriate," he told reporters on Friday.

Gale said the Devils coach would be announced by the end of the current AFL season.

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"We have had a number of very open, exploratory discussions with a range of potential candidates or people of interest," he said.

"But it has probably got to the point now where things are advancing.

"These are internal discussions, they're really important. There's some sensitivity attached as well, so it's probably inappropriate to comment any further, other than to say we will do whatever we have to do to make a really strong decision for our footy club. 

"I'm confident we will secure a very strong coach."

John Longmire during the round six match between Sydney and Port Adelaide at Sydney Cricket Ground, on April 20, 2025. Picture: AFL Photos

Despite Carlton and Essendon also being in the market for a new coach, Gale said the Devils won't be rushed into a decision.

"This is probably one of the most consequential decisions a footy club can make," he said.

"We have had time on our side, so we have taken the time and the opportunity to what I think will result in a really strong decision.

"We're not there yet, but I wouldn't have thought we're too far away.

"In fact, our commitment is we will have this resolved by the end of the season."

Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley leaves his last press conference at Alberton Oval, August 19, 2025. Picture: Getty Images

The Devils were also working through their whopping draft hand next year, $5 million sign-on pool, and priority access to local 17-year-olds.

"We have contacted a whole bunch of players ... the sentiment and the enthusiasm has been really encouraging," Gale said.

"(There's) a real excitement about being a part of a new club, albeit off the back of a state with 150 years of tradition for the game."