TASMANIA VFL star Brandon Leary is poised to secure a golden ticket to be on the Devils' inaugural AFL list in 2028. 

The 23-year-old has attracted interest from a handful of clubs ahead of the 2026 Telstra AFL Draft, including Adelaide, Geelong and Collingwood and is considered one of the most draftable mature-age prospects this year. 

But it's understood Leary has notified those clubs he won't be nominating for the draft to prioritise being a member of Ken Hinkley's first AFL squad. 

Tasmania can sign up to four players under the unique golden ticket initiative, where Devils' VFL-listed players in 2026 and 2027 can be added to the AFL list. 

The Devils aren't expected to announce any of these before next year's Mid-Season Rookie Draft at the earliest, but Leary has been given an indication that a spot is there for him if he didn't nominate for November's AFL Draft.

Leary thrived in his first season in the VFL, starring as a mid-forward in a team that lost two players in May to the Mid-Season Rookie Draft – Jaxon Artemis and Max Mapley – but still played two finals. 

Brandon Leary during the VFL Semi Final between Tasmania and Essendon at North Hobart Oval on September 5, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos

After being overlooked in 2022 after a strong campaign as an over-age prospect with Tasmania's under-18s, Leary trialled with Hawthorn during the 2023 pre-season supplemental selection period but didn't secure a contract. 

The Tasmanian returned home and starred for North Launceston in the TSL across the next three years - he kicked 58 goals from 15 games last year -  before landing a VFL contract for this year. 

Tasmania will announce its first batch of players at a gala night in Hobart on September 29, where up to eight under-17 prospects will be signed as inaugural Devils. 

Under the club's list build concessions, Tasmania is able to sign 12 under-17 players across this year and next, with a maximum of eight in either year. 

AFL.com.au revealed last week that West Australian Axel Walsh and Victorian group Baxter Sruk, Nate Jenkins, Jake Miller, Angus Brown, Riley Stratford and Griffin Barker all travelled to Tasmania recently ahead of the unveiling later this month. 

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That group will get to work soon with new head of development Nigel Lappin, who starts officially with the Devils on November 1, alongside Hinkley and Matthew Knights. 

While Leary won't be signed any time soon, he could be the next player officially signed when the AFL permits the club to announce those who secure a golden ticket with the Devils.