The blueprint for Tasmania’s entry into the AFL is moving from the whiteboard to the boardroom. After a high-profile recruitment drive in Hobart involving dozens of player agents, the Tasmania Devils are now transitioning into an active pursuit of the talent required to build a competitive roster from scratch for their 2028 debut.
Todd Patterson, the club’s list manager, has confirmed that the organization is now “active in the marketplace,” with a finalized strategy and a list management committee currently in full swing. The club is leveraging an unbeaten start to its VFL season and a suite of significant salary cap and draft concessions to attract a mix of established stars and emerging youth.
For those tracking the players on Tassie’s radar for its first season, the strategy is clear: the club is prioritizing flexibility over aggressive trading. Rather than depleting their wealth of draft picks to acquire contracted players, the Devils are focusing on the uncontracted and free agent markets to build a foundation that doesn’t compromise their long-term assets.
This calculated approach is designed to avoid the “rush” that often leads to list management errors. Patterson noted that while some early opportunities were missed by taking a measured pace, the club is now positioned to maximize its opportunities while minimizing potential misses.
The Free Agent Strategy and Target Profiles
The cornerstone of the Devils’ recruitment plan for 2027 and 2028 is the pursuit of players who are either out of contract or entering free agency. Under current rules, Tasmania can lure one player per club across this two-year window without the demand for a traditional trade; instead, the losing clubs are compensated with draft selections provided by the AFL.
This mechanism allows the Devils to protect their 11 first-round draft picks, which they will hold over their first three years. Patterson emphasized that it does not develop sense to give up these assets when a pool of available players exists. While he hasn’t ruled out trading on a case-by-case basis, the club is wary of being “reckless” by trading multiple high picks for a single player.
When looking at the league’s elite, certain names naturally surface, though their contract status dictates the timeline. High-profile stars like Collingwood’s Nick Daicos, Western Bulldogs’ Sam Darcy, and GWS midfielder Finn Callaghan are all signed through the end of 2029, making them unlikely targets for the initial build. Similarly, North Melbourne’s Harry Sheezel (signed until 2030) and Sydney’s Isaac Heeney (signed until 2028) are currently off the immediate radar due to their contractual obligations.
More immediate possibilities exist for players with shorter contract windows. GWS midfielder Tom Green has previously indicated an openness to a move to Tasmania and will be a free agent in 2027. Brisbane Lions’ Logan Morris is viewed as a key target given his age and the fact that his current deal ends after next season.
Draft Assets and the Trade Period
There has been significant speculation regarding whether the Devils would enter this year’s trade period, given they already know their draft positions for next year. The club currently holds picks No. 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13, with four of those (5, 7, 11, and 13) required to be traded.
Though, the understanding is that the AFL will not include Tasmania in the trade period this year. Patterson expressed that he is “unfussed” by this decision, suggesting there was minimal upside to entering the market prematurely. The club remains comfortable knowing that discussions with other teams will continue throughout next year as they gaze to unlock the value of their mandatory trade picks.
Under-17 Talent Pipeline
Parallel to the hunt for established stars, the Devils are aggressively securing the next generation. The club has identified 22 “players of interest” who will be draft-eligible in 2027, with the ability to sign a maximum of 12 under-17 players over two years.
While some prospects, such as Louis Salopek and Zemes Pilot, have opted to join Port Adelaide and withdrawn from the Devils’ pool, the club remains optimistic. Several high-potential talents remain on the radar for potential signings this year, including:
- Axel Walsh
- Jake Miller
- Max Thompson
- Baxter Sruk
- Riley Stratford
- Lincoln Brand
Patterson noted that many of these teenagers are “chasing the opportunity” as a group, which creates a compelling cultural draw for the new franchise. The club continues to scout every 17-year-old in the country, with the formal signing period scheduled for September.
Timeline and Next Steps
The build toward 2028 is a multi-stage process. While the stadium build at Macquarie Point has seen some delays, CEO Brendon Gale has indicated this has not yet deterred player agents. The focus now shifts to the immediate window of youth recruitment and the long-term monitoring of contract expirations.
| Phase | Focus Area | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Youth Acquisition | Under-17 “Players of Interest” | September Signings |
| Market Entry | Uncontracted/Free Agents | 2027–2028 |
| Draft Integration | First-round pick utilization | Next 3 Years |
| Competition Entry | Full roster implementation | 2028 Season |
The next critical checkpoint for the club will be the September signing window for under-17 talent, where the Devils will look to lock in the first wave of their homegrown and recruited youth core. Following that, the focus will return to the 2027 free agency market to secure the veteran leadership necessary for a debut season.
Do you think the Devils’ focus on free agents over trades is the right move? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
