Tassie Devils Send a Clear Message to AFL Rivals with Strategic Free Agency Plans

The Tassie Devils are sending a clear message to the 18 current AFL teams: they’re poised to surprise their rivals as they recruit players for their inaugural roster.

As the AFL’s new expansion team, the Devils will officially enter the competition in 2028, and they plan to spend this year reaching out to players from other clubs, assessing their interest, and possibly negotiating behind closed doors with player managers.

In a strategic move, Tasmania can sign one uncontracted player from each AFL club as effectively free agents throughout 2027 and 2028, significantly altering the trade dynamics in the league.

The Devils also have access to $5 million in signing bonuses beyond the salary cap, enabling them to distribute these funds to make their offers even more enticing for prospective players.

Among the players they are reportedly targeting are GWS star Tom Green, whose contract expires in 2027, and Collingwood forward Beau McCreery, with Tassie rumoured to have made an eye-watering offer of $1 million per season to him.

Patterson confirmed that the club is already engaging with potential signings and has firm offers ready for consideration.

“We are in active negotiations … we have offers sitting on the table for players to think about,” Patterson told WIN News Tasmania.

“There’s no rush for them to make a decision, but the feedback we’ve received has been encouraging, and we hope to secure a few players sooner rather than later.”

Notable players set to be out of contract in 2027 include Adelaide forward Izak Rankine, Brisbane key forward Logan Morris, Hawthorn forward Jack Ginnivan, North Melbourne midfielder Finn O’Sullivan, St Kilda star Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, and Sydney midfielder Chad Warner.

Patterson kept tight-lipped about the identities of the players who have offers on the table but indicated that they are making their mark on the market as they have the opportunity to target all 18 competing teams.

“We have sufficient offers out there to demonstrate our active involvement and market presence,” he remarked.

“We must be able to showcase the improvement of some players, especially those who might not be as obvious. It’s crucial we select athletes who align with our vision and can develop alongside the team, contributing to our first premiership-winning side.

“The existing clubs of players we sign are unlikely to be aware of our new acquisitions, and the market won’t catch on either, meaning those players can continue with their business while we strategise with them.”

Patterson revealed the club’s primary focus is on players whose contracts expire in 2027 and 2028.

Given their strong draft position and signing bonuses, they are in a position to pursue top talents like Nick Daicos and Sam Darcy, who are currently tied into long-term contracts. However, they are wary of sacrificing draft picks as they construct their initial team.

“Top players are unlikely to be traded. While players may be eager to move and we would be keen to have them, we must consider the club’s stance as well, and such negotiations would require significant draft capital, introducing considerable risk in building a sustainable list,” Patterson explained.

Questions have been raised about Tasmania’s attractiveness to players, especially following the rumoured seven-figure offer made to McCreery.

Essendon legend Tim Watson has voiced concerns about the state’s capacity to attract and retain marquee players.

Nevertheless, Patterson stated that they are currently facing no such obstacles.

“In fact, it’s the exact opposite. We’re noticing increasing interest from players who are enthusiastic about Tasmania’s growth and the exciting opportunities it presents. That’s not an issue we are grappling with at this moment,” Patterson asserted.

The Devils are set to have a squad in place by 2026, already competing in the VFL and currently placed third on the ladder after four rounds.

They have assembled a solid VFL team, with two confirmed AFL roster spots available in 2028 serving as a significant drawcard.

Players signed include former Sydney duo Robbie Fox and Caleb Mitchell, former West Coast player Hugh Dixon, and ex-Essendon midfield ace Jye Menzie.

“The most rewarding aspect is that although there are a couple of coveted spots up for grabs, everyone is working cohesively as a team, which allows us to evaluate more than just the two guaranteed positions,” Patterson noted.

“If we were to make selections today, there could potentially be four, or even five on the list.

“We have clear candidates in sight, but there’s also a strong field of contenders. We aim to give everyone ample time and want to develop as many players as possible.

“Our target is to have five, six, or even seven — we won’t constrain ourselves in this regard.”

Unfortunately, the Devils faced their first ever defeat on Anzac Day, succumbing to Carlton’s VFL side.