With the Tasmania Devils set to enter the AFL in 2028, a recruiting drive is likely underway to bring talent to the franchise.
While the club is likely to target players from many different areas, there will be a drive to target Tasmanian-born players as they will likely have connections and family in the state.
Which Tasmanian players will the new club likely target?
Top 10 draft selections Colby McKercher (North Melbourne) and Ryley Sanders (Bulldogs) will likely be top of the list, with both emerging as star AFL players.
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McKercher could be tempted to cross Bass Strait if North Melbourne are still struggling down the bottom of the AFL ladder, while Sanders has recently admitted to journalists that he wants more midfield time at the Bulldogs.
These two talented youngsters would be the box office talent to bring back to Tasmania and form the centre-piece of the team's build.
Four Richmond players - Toby Nankervis, Seth Campbell, Rhyan Mansell and Sam Banks - could all be attainable particularly as the Tigers rebuild is likely to take quite a few seasons.
Fremantle skipper Alex Pearce could be targeted as a leader for what is likely to be the last couple of seasons of his career, while other experienced player targets include Ryan Gardner (Bulldogs), Robbie Fox (Sydney), Lachie Weller (Gold Coast) and Jake Koladjashnij.
Several other young Tasmanian talent that could also have their head turned include Arie Schoenmaker (St Kilda), James Leake (GWS), Geordie Payne (North Melbourne) and Tom McCallum (Port Adelaide).
Tasmanian AFL players to targeted by Devils franchise
- Colby McKercher (North Melbourne)
- Ryley Sanders (Bulldogs)
- Toby Nankervis (Richmond)
- Seth Campbell (Richmond)
- Alex Pearce (Fremantle)
- Ryan Gardner (Bulldogs)
- Robbie Fox (Sydney)
- Rhyan Mansell (Richmond)
- James Leake (GWS)
- Sam Banks (Richmond)
- Lachie Weller (Gold Coast)
- Lachlan Cowan (Carlton)
- Jake Koladjashnij (Geelong)
- Arie Schoenmaker (St Kilda)
- Chayce Jones (Adelaide)
- Geordie Payne (North Melbourne)
- Jye Menzie (Essendon)
- Tom McCallum (Port Adelaide)