Tassie Devils’ Strategic Approach to Talent Acquisition
Isaac Smith, a four-time premiership winner, has shared his thoughts on the potential talent the Tassie Devils could target as they prepare for their entry into the competition in 2028. According to Smith, the expansion side might be better off pursuing Harley Reid rather than Nick Daicos.
The Tassie Devils are set to enter the league with a strong foundation, including a series of draft picks and a $5 million sign-on bonus. This financial incentive could be used to attract top-tier players. Over the past year, Nick Daicos has been strongly linked with the Devils, while Harley Reid is set to become a free agent at the end of 2028, presenting him with a significant decision regarding his future.
Key Players in Focus
During a recent match, the Collingwood champion showcased his skills with 34 disposals and three goals, leading his team to victory. Meanwhile, Reid, the No.1 overall pick in the 2023 draft, performed impressively early in the game, finishing with 20 disposals in front of a crowd of 90,000 fans.
Reid’s potential as a star midfielder is evident, as he continues to develop alongside the young West Coast team. When asked about his preference for the Tassie Devils, Matthew Lloyd, an Adelaide champion, stated that Daicos would be the clear choice due to his maturity and leadership qualities. However, it is reported that the Devils are less likely to target Daicos because he is under contract beyond 2028.
Strategic Considerations for the Tassie Devils
Smith believes that Reid would align better with the Tassie Devils’ timeline, given his younger age and potential for growth alongside the team’s draftees. He compared the situation to Gold Coast’s acquisition of Gary Ablett, suggesting that the Devils should focus on developing talent rather than securing established stars.
“The club could grow with him,” Smith said. “Daicos to me, he’s a Collingwood player, he’s solidified his career, we know what he is there. It would be like getting Gary Ablett, which Gold Coast did.”
Building a Competitive Team
The Tassie Devils are aiming to have a senior coach and a head of football in place by 2026 to begin shaping their list. They have already reached out to several players and their managers to gauge interest and map out plans.
Unlike the Gold Coast and GWS, who built young lists that faced challenges before maturing, the Tassie Devils want to hit the ground running. Their goal is to be competitive from day one, a strategy that legendary coach Leigh Matthews questions.
“One of the things that hit me was the first aim was to be competitive from the start. Well, don’t you have to earn your stripes?” Matthews asked on 3AW.
“The rubber is about to hit the road when teams are competing with the Tasmanian team with the $5 million sign-on fee and in the draft and all those kinds of situations. But to be competitive from the start, that to me is a big statement and I’m not even sure it’s realistic anyway.”
Conclusion
As the Tassie Devils prepare for their entry into the competition, the strategic decisions they make will be crucial. Whether they choose to invest in established stars like Nick Daicos or develop young talents like Harley Reid, the path ahead will require careful planning and execution. The support from experienced players like Isaac Smith highlights the importance of building a team that can grow and thrive in the competitive landscape of the league.
