Tasmania Devils’ Ambitious Player Recruitment Strategy Takes Centre Stage
Tasmania’s burgeoning AFL presence is making waves, and the newly formed Tasmania Football Club is leaving no stone unturned in its quest to assemble a competitive list. In a calculated move to woo the game’s key decision-makers, club officials recently hosted influential player managers for a round of golf at the picturesque 7 Mile Beach links course, followed by a sophisticated dinner at Frogmore Creek winery. This high-profile gathering, while appearing relaxed on the surface, underscored the serious ambition driving the club’s leadership.
The Tasmania Devils, set to officially enter the AFL in 2028, are not just building a team; they’re forging an identity. While the controversial roofed stadium at Macquarie Point, a project approved by the State Parliament, won’t be completed in time for their inaugural season, the message from CEO Brendon Gale and his team to the rest of the competition was clear and unequivocal: they are actively seeking top-tier talent and are prepared to make significant plays for uncontracted players from rival clubs.
“Building the list is a big opportunity, but it is also a big risk,” stated Gale, a former CEO of Richmond. “We want good players.” This sentiment signals an aggressive recruitment drive, with no player considered off-limits. The club is reportedly eyeing a diverse range of talent, from established stars like Collingwood’s Nick Daicos and Gold Coast’s Matt Rowell, to promising draftees such as Richmond’s Sam Lalor, the Kangaroos’ Finn O’Sullivan, and St Kilda’s Alix Tauru from the 2024 national draft. Even players with Tasmanian roots, like the Western Bulldogs’ Ryley Sanders, are seen as natural fits. Furthermore, the availability of players like Brisbane Lions’ dual premiership forward Logan Morris, whose contract expires at the end of 2027, presents further enticing possibilities.
A Strategic Blueprint for List Establishment
The man tasked with spearheading this ambitious recruitment is Todd Patterson, the Devils’ list manager, who was notably recruited from Melbourne. Patterson highlighted the evolving landscape of player movement, stating, “The player movement landscape has evolved so much. There are so many different ways we can attack it.”
The club is operating under a set of unique list establishment rules designed to give them a competitive edge. These include:
- A substantial $5 million sign-on bonus available above the salary cap.
- The opportunity to sign one uncontracted player from each existing AFL club.
- An allocation of seven first-round picks in the 2027 national draft, with four of these requiring future trades.
- Access via the draft to players who are sons of Tasmanian-born players with 100 or more AFL games to their name.
- The ability to pre-list the best 17-year-old prospects ahead of the 2027 national draft.
- A total of 48 list spots to fill.
The ‘Pitch’ to Player Managers: Lifestyle and Opportunity
Crucially, player acquisition hinges on attracting talent that is willing to relocate. The recent event at Frogmore Creek winery was a direct response to this need, serving as an elaborate “pitch” to the assembled player managers. Following the golf, approximately 30 managers convened at Hobart’s Tasman Hotel for an evening of presentations. Devils officials outlined the club’s vision, its connection to 160 years of Tasmanian football history, and the comprehensive support systems in place for young players, including housing, welfare, and development programs.
Patterson, in particular, took centre stage, articulating the unique lifestyle advantages Tasmania offers. He emphasised the potential for footballers to build fulfilling lives with “all the trappings but fewer of the hassles that accompany most AFL players, especially in Victoria.” He expressed confidence in the island state’s community appeal, stating, “I don’t have a skerrick of concern that someone will come down and not enjoy the community. We’re about to get serious. We’re ready to get busy in the market.”
The following day offered the managers a more immersive experience. A tour of the Macquarie Point stadium site provided context for the club’s future infrastructure, followed by a bus journey showcasing various Hobart suburbs like Battery Point, Sandy Bay, Taroona, and Kingston Beach. The tour culminated at the Kingborough Sports Centre, earmarked as the club’s future training and administration hub. Real estate agents accompanied the group, providing insights into the property markets, local schooling, and the overall lifestyle each suburb offers, creating an experience described as a blend of popular reality television shows and travel programs.
Positive Early Signs and Defining the Club’s DNA
The strategy appears to be resonating. Paul Connors, whose agency CDG Sports represents Nick Daicos, acknowledged the importance of engaging with the Devils’ offerings, noting it would be “remiss” not to listen. Daicos himself has previously indicated he wouldn’t rule out a move to the AFL’s 19th team. Representatives from other major agencies, including TGI Sport, Hemisphere Management, and Vivid Sport, reportedly shared similar positive sentiments in private discussions.
Patterson articulated his vision for the ideal Tasmania Devils player, describing them as “a bit cheeky, fun, playful, not afraid to take risks and express themselves, but at the same stage, to have gravel in their veins.” He added, “When most people think Tasmanian they think humility and competitiveness. So, they will be key characteristics for us, but you know, we’re in the entertainment industry as well. So, we need to bring a bit of fun and a bit of razzle-dazzle as well.” This balanced approach aims to cultivate a team that is both competitive and engaging for fans.
Timelines and Key Appointments
The clock is ticking for the Devils to establish their presence. The VFL team is set to debut in under a month against Coburg, with the VFLW team following in May. Their inaugural AFL season is slated for 2028, with the AFLW team to join later that year. While the Kingborough training facility is a priority, its completion by 2028 is not yet guaranteed, as tenders have only recently been called. The stadium itself is not expected to be ready until approximately 2030. In the interim, Bellerive Stadium in Hobart will serve as their home ground.
Gale anticipates continued debate surrounding the stadium but believes public support is strong, particularly following the recent parliamentary approval. Key appointments are on the horizon, with Gale aiming to appoint a football manager before mid-year and a senior coach before the VFL season concludes. Nathan Buckley, currently an assistant at Geelong, is considered a strong contender for the coaching role. The club is seeking an experienced coach capable of fostering a connection with the passionate Tasmanian football community.
Nurturing Future Talent and Player Commitments
Tasmania claims that six players have already engaged in preliminary discussions with the club, although no formal commitments or offers have been made. These discussions are expected to intensify later in the season, coinciding with the pre-listing of elite 17-year-olds. Patterson is particularly enthusiastic about the upcoming draft crop, which includes highly-rated under-16 All-Australians like Axel Walsh and Baxter Zruk. He anticipates securing agreements with six to eight 17-year-olds by September. Additionally, four Tasmanian 17-year-olds could be added, signifying a renewed flow of talent driven by the Devils’ formation.
The club is also focused on securing handshake deals with established players. Patterson expressed his hope for “in-principle agreements” to establish a solid foundation, but acknowledged that alternative pathways would be pursued if necessary. A database of potential father-son selections is being developed, with notable eligible players including Oliver Green, son of former Demon and club president Brad Green, and Tex Robertson, son of Tasmanian-born, 100-game player Russell Robertson.
Despite some initial doubts raised about player retention in a smaller market like Hobart, Patterson is optimistic. He believes that by clearly defining the club’s offering and identity, and by understanding the evolving needs of modern players – who seek purpose, commercial opportunities, and family considerations – Tasmania can present a compelling proposition. Player managers also seem to recognise the potential enthusiasm among the right type of player to embark on an AFL career in Tasmania, with many reserving final judgment until the club’s initial player support structures are fully established.
