North Melbourne has signed six Tasmanians to its VFL/East Coast team, with another two spots up for grabs.

The partnership with Tasmanian State League (TSL) clubs aims to provide exposure and development opportunities for players aged 19-22-years-old without them having to leave the state, in turn retaining the integrity of the local competition.

One player from each TSL club and one from the North-West Coast will make up the eight.

Elijah Reardon (Kingborough), Harrison Gunther (Glenorchy), Jake Steele (formerly of North Hobart but has applied for a transfer to Clarence), Tom Donnelly (North Launceston), Miller Hodge (Launceston) and the North West Football League’s Bailey Boag of Burnie, are among those who have committed. 

Those selected will continue to live in their home state and play a handful of games for the Kangaroos VFL/East Coast team throughout the season, with the club to pay for all expenses.  

The two spots available are to be filled with a player from North Hobart and Lauderdale. Tasmanian Devils Under-19 players will also be available to play in the mainland competition upon agreement between the two clubs. 

North GM Brady Rawlings said it was an important piece in Tasmanian football.

“This program is designed to retain players in the TSL competition,” he said.

“We’ve seen a lot of Tasmanian players leave to play in interstate competitions so this model allows them to get exposure through the VFL without having to move.

“Foremost, it’s about the development of individual players and the opportunity it provides them.

“We want to see them succeed and hopefully at the end of the day, get drafted, even if it’s not by us.”

Rawlings said it was a continuation of the club’s commitment to the state.

“We want the best for the state and its players,” he said. 

“We’ve seen a great partnership with our AFL/W teams and to extend that to another tier of football is an exciting move.”

North will announce additional signings in the coming days.