Collingwood Forward Addresses $7 Million Tasmania Report as AFL Legends Raise ‘Devils Tax’ Issues

The Tassie Devils are reportedly prepared to extend a remarkable $7 million contract to Collingwood’s forward Beau McCreery to secure his position in their first-ever squad, a sum that has raised eyebrows among prominent AFL icons.

Cal Twomey, a leading AFL journalist, disclosed during Nine’s Footy Classified that McCreery is a primary target for the Devils, who seem determined to offer him a compensation package that ranks among the highest in the sport.

“Tasmania has identified Beau McCreery as a significant target for its initial list construction. From what I gather, the Devils are set to propose a deal that could stretch over seven years, aiming to entice him south with a salary of around $1 million per year,” Twomey mentioned on Nine’s Footy Classified.

“He will be out of contract at the end of next season. The Devils are focusing on players who are out of contract and those available as free agents. He’ll have a decision to make next year, and it remains to be seen what Collingwood will provide in their efforts to retain him.”

McCreery has participated in 102 matches for the Magpies, known for his pressure-focused forward play while also adding speed to the midfield.

He was a part of the club’s 2023 premiership team and has scored 62 career goals.

Interestingly, he happened to be on a radio program in Victoria the morning following Twomey’s report.

McCreery stated he had not received any offers from the Devils and remains wholly committed to the Magpies.

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“I’m not aware of any offers… I was just going to hang up when my partner tapped me on the shoulder and said, ‘What’s going on here?’ I remain under contract and passion for the Pies,” McCreery told Triple M’s Mick in the Morning on Wednesday.

“I was just as surprised as anyone when I heard it. No, I haven’t been contacted by them. It’s a significant development to learn about, but I’m still under contract with Collingwood for the next two years… so my focus remains there,” McCreery added.

The news that the Devils could offer considerable sums to a role player has sparked concern from Essendon legend Tim Watson.

Watson has previously expressed doubts about Tasmania’s ability to lure and retain elite talent, interpreting this hefty bid for McCreery as a “Devils tax.”

“If we start compensating role players a million dollars a year and handing out seven-million-dollar contracts, what does that indicate about the direction of the game?” Watson remarked on SEN after the news broke.

Garry Lyon, a legendary player from Melbourne, concurred, asserting that the Devils’ proposal significantly exceeds the true market value of the forward.

“That figure doesn’t reflect his actual worth, but the inflated amount is presumably being offered to kickstart this new team. They need to target players they believe they can attract,” Lyon commented.

“If true, it’s a staggering overestimation. However, it doesn’t worry me in the slightest.”

The Tasmanian franchise already boasts a touch of Collingwood heritage with former list manager Derek Hine spearheading the creation of the inaugural roster.

Additionally, ex-Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley has been strongly rumoured to take on the head coaching position.