The Tasmania Devils have parted ways with their inaugural VFL captain Robbie Fox, confirming the former Sydney Swans defender will not be offered a playing contract for 2027. The club said player behaviour and adherence to its standards were among the factors it considered.
The decision was first reported by The Mercury on Tuesday afternoon, Fox Sports reported, as the Devils build towards their entry into the AFL and AFLW in 2028.
What the Devils said
Devils football boss Aaron Pidgeon said the call followed “consideration of a range of factors”, The Advocate reported.
“The decision follows consideration of a range of factors including the future direction of our football program as we continue to prioritise the development of emerging talent ahead of our entry into the AFL and AFLW in 2028,” Pidgeon said.
“The club’s expectations regarding player behaviour and adherence to our standards were also considered as part of this decision.
“We thank Robbie for his contribution in our inaugural year as a VFL player and leader.”
The club did not say what behaviour it was referring to, Pulse Tasmania reported.
Read more: AFL: Ken Hinkley Set to Become Tasmania Devils’ Inaugural Coach
From the Swans to Devils captain
Fox, 33, was born in Penguin on Tasmania’s north-west coast and played 105 AFL games for Sydney between 2017 and 2025, mostly as a defender.
He was among the Devils’ first signings and played 13 games in the club’s first VFL season, The Advocate reported, with his best game coming against his old club Sydney in round 19, when he had 32 disposals and 10 marks.
Pulse Tasmania reported Fox has also worked off the field at the club, most recently in a strategic projects role, and it is not yet clear whether he will stay on as a staff member.
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What’s next for Fox
Fox has been linked with a return to local football on the north-west coast, with The Advocate reporting suggestions he could join Ulverstone for the 2027 NWFL season. The paper said no decision is understood to have been made.
The Devils announced one-year VFL deals for Nick Williams, Zach Adams, Harry Elmer and Maddox Iverach on Tuesday, Fox Sports reported.
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