Essendon great Tim Watson believes Tasmania will struggle to recruit and keep young players, particularly as the years go on.
The Devils will enter the competition in 2028, but won’t play in their new $1b stadium until at least 2030 while that is constructed in Hobart.
Tassie will have a war chest of cash to target players across the competition, including a $5m signing bonus they can spread around as many players as they like – or offer to one or two marquee names.
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Tassie Devils jumper. Â AFL Photos via Getty Images
But once the glow of the new team wears off, Watson isn’t confident the state will have the allure to keep players, particularly after their initial draft contracts.
It comes as the Devils wined and dined over 30 AFL player managers and agents in Hobart over the weekend.
Their aim was to show them the wonders of the Apple Isle and win them over, as the club prepares to raid the 18 existing teams in the next few years.
But the former Essendon captain has his doubts.
“Tassie are doing the right thing. And the managers are doing the right thing on behalf of their players going down there and having a look around,” Watson told SEN.
“I told you when I got back from Tassie, I think it is a massive, massive ask of young players (to move to Tasmania) and play football.”
Watson believes the Devils should target country and rural draftees, who might not be itching for big-city life.
“You’re going to have to go for a certain type of kid that’s going to want to live in Tasmania. I think a country style kid. A kid that’s been used to the country lifestyle and likes what Tasmania has to offer away from football and maybe doesn’t want to be in one of the big markets,” he said.
“I think you’re going to have to be really careful about the young bloke you go after.
Tim Watson at the AFL Legend’s Game in 2025. AFL Photos via Getty Images
“It’s a hard sell. I didn’t say I’d only go after country kids, but I’d go after country kids because I think they’re more inclined to be swayed by what the state has to offer.
“Anyway, you’ll get drafted where you get drafted and then when you’re down there, it’s up to all the people associated with the team to make it work.
“I want the team to succeed by the way, but I think it’s going to be a really tough thing for them over time to convince players to go there and draftees to stay there.”
Watson has hinted at these thoughts previously, and received backlash from proud Tasmanians, including Brisbane legend Alastair Lynch and Nine reporter Brent Costelloe.
They have pointed out the many cricketers and basketballers who have called Tassie home both across the Big Bash and NBL seasons.
Watson points out that, with a few exceptions, the majority of those ex-athletes spruiking the Devils’ cause don’t even live in Tasmania themselves.
“All these people selling Tassie, and no disrespect to any of them. Where does Alastair Lynch live? Where do the two Riewoldts live? Where does Matthew Richardson live? Where was Brendon Gale living? He still is probably most of the time living in Melbourne,” he asked.
“None of them rush back to Tasmania. I love Tasmania by the way.
“They’re all greats of the game. None of them have rushed back to live in Tasmania.”
Jack Riewoldt and Alastair Lynch in Tasmania. Getty
Watson also believes the Devils should use their money wisely. They might be able to land a superstar name like a Nick Daicos or a Sam Darcy to be the face of the club, but their focus should be on bringing someone across who is all-in on being part of the fabric of the club.
He points out Gold Coast’s inaugural signing of Gary Ablett, who certainly was the best player in the competition, but potentially not that invested in the success of footy in south-east Queensland.
“You need someone who is deeply committed to the cause to go there,” Watson said.
“Not like Gary Ablett. He went there, but he wasn’t deeply committed to the Suns.
“How did they go after that? It took them a long time.”
The Devils are expected to announce their head of football during the 2026 season, and will likely commit to a head coach before the end of the year.
Player links and news will likely begin to flow in 2027.