Jemma Blair has embraced life as a Bull Shark to such a degree, only the chance to be an inaugural Devil could top it.
Since arriving at Bond, the dynamic key defender has helped the Bull Sharks to a 2023 premiership, excelled in her Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science degree, taken on leadership roles at the footy club, and thrown herself into university life.
The recipient of the 2023 Riewoldt Family AFL Excellence Scholarship – named after Tasmanian football royalty – has built a near-perfect life on the Gold Coast.
The only thing that could drag her away from The Canal is the chance to be a part of football history.
Blair has proudly sported a Devils sticker on her laptop since the AFL announced its expansion plans for Tasmania, so when the opportunity arose to sign with the Devils VFLW side, it was an offer she couldn’t resist.
“It’s going to be super exciting to be able to wear the Tassie jumper, especially considering it's my hometown,” Blair said.
“I am excited to go home. Being so far away from family has been hard at times.”
The Devils’ Head of List Management and Strategy, Todd Patterson, said he was delighted Jemma had joined the growing contingent of Tasmanians who were returning home to be part of the Devils’ inaugural VFL and VFLW squads.
“Jemma has VFL experience and has been an extremely reliable and disciplined defender with Bond University in the QAFLW. We see her being a key member of our back six with her calm and methodical approach to the game.”
After playing in the North Melbourne VFLW side for two years, Blair made the move to Bond when she received the Riewoldt Family AFL Excellence Scholarship in 2023.
Down at The Canal she formed a special bond with Bond’s Director of AFL and Tasmanian AFL Hall of Fame member, Andy Lovell.
“Playing at Bond has definitely built my confidence back up as a player,” Blair said.
“Andy has really supported me over the past three years, and I’ve had the opportunity to build my leadership as well which has been great.
“Andy wears his heart on his sleeve and really shows up for us; he’s not your traditional coach.
“I’ve grown to love the game again. When I moved up here I was falling out of love with footy and not really enjoying it.”
Bond's Director of AFL, Andy Lovell said he is thrilled for Jemma that she gets an unparalleled opportunity to help build the Tassie Devils VFLW program.
"We will miss her leadership and competitiveness and most importantly her wonderful positive energy, but I can’t wait to watch her thrive and continue to develop her game and career," Lovell said.
"She leaves our club in better shape because of who she is!"
The Tassie Devils will compete in the VFLW (Victorian Football League Women’s) in 2026 and are expected to enter the AFLW in 2028.
“It's exciting. I took this opportunity because I know there is a possibility of getting drafted in the AFLW,” Blair said.
“A lot of the girls I played junior footy with in Tassie have signed with the Devils.”
It will be a tough goodbye for Blair, who is part of the fabric of the Bull Sharks AFL club.
“The culture has been so good at Bond, I've never had anything like it,” Blair said.
“Everyone is just great friends on and off the field.
“I know I will be friends with these girls for life.”