Tasmania Devils vice-captain Jye Menzie has spoken of the pride he has in his upbringing in Bridgewater, an area north of Hobart known for significant socio-economic disadvantage. In an interview with ABC News published Wednesday, the former Essendon player said he was “proud to come from this place” and would not have it any other way.
Menzie, who grew up in Bridgewater and played his junior football for North Hobart, was the historic first player signing for the new VFL club, as reported by outlets including the AFL and 7NEWS in late 2025. While the ABC referred to Menzie as the team’s captain, Pulse Tasmania reported in February 2026 that former Sydney Swans player Robbie Fox was named the Devils’ inaugural captain, with Menzie appointed as his deputy. AFL.com.au and other outlets later reported in March that Menzie was expected to lead the team on-field during the season opener due to an injury to Fox.
The area Menzie calls home has long been recognised as facing significant challenges. According to a submission by the Brighton Council, suburbs within the municipality such as Bridgewater and Gagebrook “rank among the most disadvantaged municipalities in Tasmania” and score in the lowest decile nationally on the ABS Index of Relative Socio-Economic Disadvantage. The Bridgewater Youth Hub also notes the region faces challenges including multi-generational unemployment.
Menzie returned to his home state to join the Devils’ VFL side after playing 47 games for Essendon in the AFL, according to his official player statistics. Upon signing, he told the club he was a “proud Tasmanian” and was eager to “be involved in the build of the Club from the ground up,” as reported by the AFL.
The full story and interview with Menzie can be found on the ABC News website.