DEVIL OF A JOB

Tassie seek new coach after Fletcher quits

THE Devils are after a new coach just one year back after Adrian Fletcher resigned to return to Queensland.

The Mercury can reveal Fletcher informed AFL Tasmania he would be heading back to his family in Brisbane following the Devils exit from the NAB League competition on Sunday.

The Devils were returned to the elite under-18 competition full time as part of the AFL’s steering committee recommendations with Fletcher, a former Glenorchy, Geelong, St Kilda, Brisbane and Fremantle midfielder, appointed after coaching Queensland and the Allies last year.

After a promising start to the season, the Devils lost their last seven games to finish the year in second last on the ladder with a 4-11 win-loss record.

“It is a really difficult decision because I love Tassie footy and I’m heavily invested in this program, but some things are bigger than football,” Fletcher said. “I’ve lived away from my family while performing the role and it has been really hard and right now, I feel I need to prioritise my family.

“I’m incredibly passionate about what lies ahead for the Devils and Tasmanian football and I know I’ll look back proudly on the part I’ve played in something pretty special.”

However, the Mercury understands there was some criticism from parents of Devils players to AFL Tasmania about Fletcher’s style being too hard on individuals and the team without enough positive feedback.

AFL Tasmania chief executive Trisha Squires acknowledged the important role Fletcher played in establishing the Devils team in their first season.

“The first year of anything is exciting but also really daunting and I’ve admired the enthusiasm and work ethic of