Tasmania’s entry into the AFL is not just a feel good story. It is a high stakes exercise in list building that will determine whether the Devils become competitive quickly or spend years wandering in the wilderness. Expansion clubs live and die by their early decisions, and for Tasmania, recruitment is everything.
There is always a temptation for new clubs to chase instant relevance. Big names, big contracts and big headlines. It looks great on paper and even better on social media. But history has shown that approach can backfire badly. A list built on reputation rather than cohesion often struggles when the real work begins.
Tasmania needs to be smarter than that.
The Devils must prioritise balance. Yes, they will need marquee players to attract attention and give the fan base something to rally around. However, those players must fit into a broader system. You cannot build a premiership side on five stars and a bunch of hopefuls. You need role players, depth, and versatility. You need players who understand their job and execute it consistently.
That is where strong recruiting separates successful clubs from struggling ones.
One name already being floated as a potential target is Tom Stewart. Not because of any Tasmanian connection, but because of what he represents as a footballer. Stewart is composed, elite in his positioning and one of the best readers of the game in the competition. He is the type of player who can organise a defence and instantly raise standards.
By the time Tasmania enters the AFL, Stewart will be in the later stages of his career. That means any move for him would not be about building the future around him. It would be about leadership, guidance, and setting a benchmark for younger players. Expansion clubs need experienced heads who can stabilise the team when things inevitably get tough early on.
If Tasmania were to pursue him, it would be a cultural move as much as a football one.
Then there is the dream scenario. The headline grabber. The player who changes everything the moment he walks through the door. Nick Daicos.
Daicos is already one of the most influential players in the AFL. His decision-making, composure and ability to control games make him the kind of talent you build an entire midfield around. If Tasmania could somehow lure him, it would instantly accelerate their timeline.
But let’s be realistic. Players like Daicos do not leave successful clubs easily. Collingwood offers him stability, exposure and a genuine shot at multiple premierships. Tasmania would need to offer more than money. It would need to offer a legacy.
The pitch would be simple but powerful. Come to Tasmania and be the face of a new club. Be the player who builds something from nothing. Be remembered forever as the one who led the Devils into relevance.
It is a compelling idea, but also a long shot. Tasmania cannot afford to build its entire recruitment strategy around landing one superstar.
That is why the broader approach matters more.
The Devils should target players stuck on the fringes of strong teams. Players with talent who have not had consistent opportunities. These are often the recruits who provide the best return. They arrive motivated, eager to prove themselves, and ready to embrace a bigger role.
This is how you build depth and internal competition.
Equally important is the draft. Tasmania will have access to top end talent, and these selections must be nailed. The players selected in the early years will form the core of the club for the next decade. The Devils need to back their scouting, trust their instincts and take calculated risks on high ceiling prospects.
Premiership teams are built on elite talent. That talent is usually found at the top of the draft.
Development is where everything either comes together or falls apart. Tasmania must invest heavily in coaching, high performance and player welfare from day one. Young players need support, structure, and patience. If the environment is right, they grow. If it is not, they stagnate.
The club cannot afford to get this wrong.
There is also a massive opportunity to tap into Tasmanian talent. For years, players have had to leave the state to pursue AFL careers. Now there is a chance to keep that talent at home.
The Devils should prioritise local pathways and ensure that young Tasmanians see a future without having to relocate. Players with a genuine connection to the state bring a different level of pride and commitment. That connection can become a powerful part of the club’s identity.
Contract management is another critical piece of the puzzle. Expansion clubs often overpay early just to attract talent. While some overspending is unavoidable, it must be controlled. Long term flexibility is essential.
Tasmania does not want to be stuck with inflated contracts just as its young stars are ready for new deals.
Game style must also drive recruitment. Every player brought in should suit a clear system. Whether it is based on pressure, speed, defensive structure or ball movement, there needs to be alignment.
Teams that recruit without a defined style often end up disjointed.
Tasmania has the advantage of starting fresh. It can build an identity from the ground up and recruit accordingly.
Patience will be the biggest challenge. Supporters will want immediate success, and the hype around the club will only increase expectations. But chasing quick wins at the expense of long term planning is a mistake.
Sustainable success is built over time.
If Tasmania can balance its list, invest in development, target the right mix of experience and youth and make smart decisions around players like Stewart while at least exploring bold opportunities involving someone like Daicos, it will give itself a genuine chance to rise.
This is not just about entering the AFL.
It is about building a club that can contend.
And if the Devils get their recruitment right from day one, that contention might come a lot sooner than people expect.
You can find more from Dave on his own substack, It’s a Dave Thing.
