2026-27 List Management Discussion

[Saucery]

What are your thoughts on the go home factor?

Yes I understand that Tassie is only a short flight to the mainland but lets be honest young people look to leave the state rather than move to the state.

Would a young champion vic kid be happy to play and live in Tas when he could move back to Melbourne when his contract is up and play on the MCG and live the lifestyle available.

This could be an issue retaining players and attracting players.

We had this issue, in 2013 with the 'Go home 5'. It took patience to build a new culture, something the Devils can get right from the start. Attention has to be paid to simple things like suitable living arrangements (host family or other team mates) and quality interaction with the players families, bringing them along for the journey.

With a mixture of academy kids and country zone players a strong base was built. Then we hunted for undervalued but competent talent and the odd star to turn us back into a destination club.

But at the end of the day, it was the strong administrative base Swan built with Nobel and Fagan (who knew) that was the catalyst for prolonged success. There is no reason in the world why this same template can't work in Tasmania, build a family club and they will stay.

 

[The Kings Ransom]

That’s the main reason why they leave. The other reason would be advanced study, so it’s not really about life style or night life, it’s more about opportunity.

Another factor, to retain players is the lack of traffic. 15km away is about 10-15 minutes away. 15km elsewhere is a good half hour if your lucky!

Opportunity for media, 3rd party deals, personal sponsorships etc..

Opportunity to play in front of a big crowd.

I think the players in smaller markets will always feel like they are missing out on various opportunities that some players in big markets get.

 

[Hodgey 15]

 

[Jayman15]

Colby has extended his contract until the end of 2028… as he thinks North to play finals next year from the H/S 2/7

 

[Hodgey 15]

Colby has extended his contract until the end of 2028… as he thinks North to play finals next year from the H/S 2/7


View attachment 2357823

I wouldn't get my hopes up over McKercher ever returning to Tas to play for Devils. He's pretty keen to stay in Melbourne.

 

[TassieSaint]

Note sure if Facebook links work but bit on gettable about the dossier we've released to player agents: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1GcNvg8qNQ/

Was half expecting something cringe but this is actually really smart, selling the cheaper cost of living (contract goes further) with real estate and schools, the stadium and HPC obviously, the golf angle even (seems 90% of the AFL are obsessed these days).

 

[Daka]

Daicos doesn't sound like he is ruling Tasmania out, he will be offered the world.

“It hasn’t crossed my mind that much. Tassie are a little while away, (Derek) Hine (Tasmania's head of recruitment) has gone there which is great for him and obviously, his connection at Collingwood.
“I’m sure he’s scouting some players that he wants, but I’m fully fixated on staying at Collingwood for now and this year, more importantly.”

Notice how he says "For Now"

Devils' list boss to meet with Daicos' management after Tassie comment

The star refused to rule out a move.

www.sen.com.au

 

[King Patty]

This has to be good news for Tassies draft and list hopes.

 

[Hodgey 15]

View attachment 2367875


This has to be good news for Tassies draft and list hopes.

Tassie smashed them

 

[Andyy]

Seth Campbell Sam Banks and Rhyann Mansell would be 3 Tasmanian players they will be tracking closely
Campbell has made great strides this season

Campbell signed for 4 years.

Be surprised if we let Banks go.

You're welcome to Mansell. Don't rate him, but every expansion team needs someone with a bit of mongrel in them TBBH.

 

[fargothegreat]

Campbell signed for 4 years.

Be surprised if we let Banks go.

You're welcome to Mansell. Don't rate him, but every expansion team needs someone with a bit of mongrel in them TBBH.

I can honestly see all of Nank, Banks and Mansell going.

Banks is even a smokey to be the first captain. Was touted as a future leader as a junior.

 

[Andyy]

I can honestly see all of Nank, Banks and Mansell going.

Banks is even a smokey to be the first captain. Was touted as a future leader as a junior.

Compensation!

Club needs to prioritise keeping Banks IMO. Has really come a long way this year.

 

[noobermensch]

Let me know if this isn't the right thread to post this

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Axel Walsh has been getting some early hype as a potential number 1 pick for the Tassie draft in 2027. He was dominant in the ruck here, winning almost every hit out and laying the table for his mids with deft tap work as well as following up himself at ground level to get the ball moving for his team. His skills and movement can be a bit raw at this stage, but there's a ton of potential there and he'll be a fascinating watch over the next two years to see how he develops.

 

[fargothegreat]

Let me know if this isn't the right thread to post this

---

Axel Walsh has been getting some early hype as a potential number 1 pick for the Tassie draft in 2027. He was dominant in the ruck here, winning almost every hit out and laying the table for his mids with deft tap work as well as following up himself at ground level to get the ball moving for his team. His skills and movement can be a bit raw at this stage, but there's a ton of potential there and he'll be a fascinating watch over the next two years to see how he develops.

This is brilliant thanks

 

[Hodgey 15]

 

[noobermensch]

A name for the future to note down in capital letters, underline and highlight with probably a few exclamation marks just to be sure. Baxter Sruk was terrific in this game, the memory of him wheeling onto his left boot and dashing through 50 to slot running goals or hit up teammates will likely give the SA players and staff nightmares. Sruk has a powerful frame that he knows how to use in contests, he reads the play and has the running power to find space ahead of the ball and the dash and classy finishing skills to punish when he has it.

 

[MarcMaverick]

Let me know if this isn't the right thread to post this

---

Axel Walsh has been getting some early hype as a potential number 1 pick for the Tassie draft in 2027. He was dominant in the ruck here, winning almost every hit out and laying the table for his mids with deft tap work as well as following up himself at ground level to get the ball moving for his team. His skills and movement can be a bit raw at this stage, but there's a ton of potential there and he'll be a fascinating watch over the next two years to see how he develops.

A name for the future to note down in capital letters, underline and highlight with probably a few exclamation marks just to be sure. Baxter Sruk was terrific in this game, the memory of him wheeling onto his left boot and dashing through 50 to slot running goals or hit up teammates will likely give the SA players and staff nightmares. Sruk has a powerful frame that he knows how to use in contests, he reads the play and has the running power to find space ahead of the ball and the dash and classy finishing skills to punish when he has it.

Axel and Baxter! What a pair of names!

 

[noobermensch]

Jake Miller is an elite key forward prospect for the 2027 draft, only 16 years old but already having an impact at Talent League level and recently having had a fantastic run at the U16 Champs. Here we have a look at his Talent League debut from a few weeks ago, an extremely impressive performance that saw him named player of the week. Few make marking the footy look as easy as Jake does, with his size, quick judgement of the ball flight, and super clean hands.

 

[Walshawk]

From Caro in The Age:

Tasmania look certain to be granted a raft of first-round draft picks at the end of 2027 – the national draft will be held in Tasmania – including picks one, three, five, seven, nine, 11 and 13 along with the 10 best 17-year-olds in Australia, who can be taken over the first two years of the team’s life. They will also be able to hand out sign-on bonuses totalling an estimated $1 million for proven stars. Although the Devils will be forced to trade some high picks, they get to keep pick No.1 and will have access to father-sons from their home state and academy players.

Two of those academy stars loom as Sam Husband and Jack Gulliver, who were both named in the 2025 All-Australian under-16 team this week, Gulliver as captain. The Tasmania under-16s won their B-division title last week at the national championships. Draft concessions continue over 2029 and 2030, with the competition determined to learn from the mistakes of the past.

Why Nathan Buckley should hold off on a return to coaching

The coaching choice that seems to have been presented to Nathan Buckley is one of those rare occasions when a bird in the hand might not be worth more than two in the bush.

www.theage.com.au

 

[fargothegreat]

From Caro in The Age:

Tasmania look certain to be granted a raft of first-round draft picks at the end of 2027 – the national draft will be held in Tasmania – including picks one, three, five, seven, nine, 11 and 13 along with the 10 best 17-year-olds in Australia, who can be taken over the first two years of the team’s life. They will also be able to hand out sign-on bonuses totalling an estimated $1 million for proven stars. Although the Devils will be forced to trade some high picks, they get to keep pick No.1 and will have access to father-sons from their home state and academy players.

Two of those academy stars loom as Sam Husband and Jack Gulliver, who were both named in the 2025 All-Australian under-16 team this week, Gulliver as captain. The Tasmania under-16s won their B-division title last week at the national championships. Draft concessions continue over 2029 and 2030, with the competition determined to learn from the mistakes of the past.

Why Nathan Buckley should hold off on a return to coaching

The coaching choice that seems to have been presented to Nathan Buckley is one of those rare occasions when a bird in the hand might not be worth more than two in the bush.

www.theage.com.au

Our draft bounty was looking likely to be a lot weaker early on. Benny Gale has done a great job advocating for more selections to combat the compromisation that other clubs' academies have introduced.

 

[Hodgey 15]

 

[TassieSaint]

Don't mind that. Also we've got father son access for Tasmanians who played 100 games, that will be big.

 

[fargothegreat]

They've got the balance wrong with the number of picks we have to trade. We'll be forced to pay overs for B-graders, while only getting three first round picks in our first draft.

 

[TassieSaint]

They've got the balance wrong with the number of picks we have to trade. We'll be forced to pay overs for B-graders, while only getting three first round picks in our first draft.

The must trade picks are apparently floating, in that they can be rolled over to the next year if we can't find a good trade year 1. Gives us more bargaining power.

 

[fargothegreat]

The must trade picks are apparently floating, in that they can be rolled over to the next year if we can't find a good trade year 1. Gives us more bargaining power.

Yeah I hope that helps. Will be be difficult to find contracted players worth picks 5, 7, 11 and 13 that want to come/clubs are willing to give up.

Then again, this year's trade period is shaping up as being pretty crazy.