The new AFL team, the Tassie Devils, is set to start building its inaugural roster with a $5 million fund designated for sign-on bonuses to attract players. Notably, AFL reporter Cal Twomey believes that the team has its sights set on Collingwood’s star midfielder, Nick Daicos. In just four seasons, Daicos has made a significant impact, being selected for three All-Australian teams and finishing on the Brownlow podium three times, suggesting he will be a standout player in the league for years to come.
The Devils are scheduled to join the AFL in 2028 and have a range of draft picks lined up for the 2027 draft, including selections one, three, five, seven, nine, eleven, and thirteen. However, they will have to trade all but their top two picks. Twomey notes that a player like Daicos could command a lucrative contract of over $5 million in his first season, including a substantial sign-on bonus and salary.
Twomey is confident that Tasmania will table an enticing offer to Daicos, potentially involving a multi-year deal worth more than $2 million annually, supplemented by a sign-on bonus of $3 million. While Collingwood is expected to fight to retain him, with strong emotional ties through family—his brother plays for the Magpies and his father is a club legend—there are speculations that the Devils could make him an irresistible offer. They may consider using picks three, five, and seven to secure his transfer from Collingwood.
Former Brownlow Medallist James Hird acknowledges the challenges the Devils face in attracting Daicos away from his family legacy at Collingwood. The allure of being part of such a historic club adds a layer of complexity to the potential deal. Though hefty financial incentives can be tempting, Hird suggests that the long-term benefits of being associated with Collingwood might outweigh the financial allure of a new franchise.
The successful establishment of the Devils hinges on the anticipated construction of a 23,000-seat roofed stadium at Macquarie Point in Hobart, which is still pending government approval. The club appears to have links to Collingwood already, with list manager Derek Hine previously with the Magpies and former coach Nathan Buckley in discussions to head the new team.
In summary, the Tassie Devils are gearing up to make a significant splash in the AFL with strategies designed to attract top talent, particularly Nick Daicos. The unfolding narrative around player movement and club loyalties promises exciting developments as the Devils prepare to enter the league.