Tasmania are seeking to fast-track entry into Australia's premier second-tier competition as part of their planned AFL debut in 2028.
The Devils' bid to become the AFL's 19th club remains contingent on a new 23,000-seat roofed stadium being built at Hobart's Macquarie Point.
But the Devils are hopeful VFL and VFLW entry in 2026 will be another step in the right direction.
The AFL is reviewing the club's application.
"Entry into the VFL and VFLW in 2026 is a priority for the club," Devils chief executive Brendon Gale said.
"Not only will this be a significant step forward for our club with the introduction of football operations, but it will also be an important addition to the local football ecosystem and serve as a great carrot to attract some of our best and brightest football talent home.
"Despite not having final approval for our entry in 2026, we are building the operation on the basis that we will be playing due to the time frames we must meet.
"This means we are actively, and excitingly, engaging with athletes and off-field personnel to take on roles with the club."
A Tasmanian team last played in the VFL in 2008.
It was initially expected the Devils would be eased into state-league competition by only playing against AFL reserves teams.
Full-time entry could mean the VFL would balloon to 23 teams after St Kilda and Sandringham ended their alignment.
This month, the Devils unveiled detailed images of a planned $115 million high-performance and administration centre at Kingston, south of Hobart.