Reported by Brett Stubbs
Stephens, based in Launceston, said he was undecided at the moment about whether he would be able to continue on with the program next year.
He sat out the program in 2006 due to previous coach Mathew Armstrong's centralised training regime but returned this year when it was set up with regional training squads in the North, North-West and the South.
"Absolutely, I have got no doubt about that it will cost Northern players," Stephens said.
"It did in the past and it will again next year. If guys are serious about their footy and want to take their footy to the next level it is just the step they are going to have to take."
Stephens, 24, said he could not commit to the Devils by living in Launceston so would have to relocate.
"I'm keen to play again but I haven't committed to anything," he said. "I think that would be the ideal situation to move down there.
"It would be pretty hard for me to get up and move with what I'm doing at the minute. That will have to be something I look into in a few weeks.
"I don't reckon I could do it commute again. To be fair on both sides, you have got to be down there I reckon."
Fellow Launceston-based player and Devils leading goal-kicker Adam Derbyshire said he was keen to play in the VFL next season, but would have to discuss the new program with coach Daryn Cresswell.
Employed by AFL Tasmania as its community programs coordinator and major partners manager, Derbyshire, 24, believes he can stay in Launceston and commute to training but agreed it may cost the Devils some players.
"There is no doubt if the Devils are to be successful they have to train together," Derbyshire said.
"And if that happens to be in Hobart, so be it."
AFL Tasmania is hoping to increase player payments with increased Devils funding from the AFL but Stephens said this would make little difference when it came to a player deciding if they would relocate.
"It is pretty unfortunate because you look at the Tigers with the cricket and what they had to do to get the success they had last season winning the Pura Cup by basing themselves in Hobart," Stephens said.
"But they can pay them a year's wages to do it and there isn't the same money in football."
