The 20-player hit list Tasmania Devils should chase as $18.5m feeding frenzy looms
Stars in the sights of Tasmanian Devils
Matt Rowell headlines a list of AFL stars the Tasmanian Devils could poach for 2028.
Jimmy Bartel this week warned other clubs they better lock down their emerging talent quickly, given the 19th club will start to put a hit list together.
The AFL's total player payments - or salary cap - is expected to be about $18.5 million by 2028, leaving the Devils with plenty of cash to splash on the players they desire.
Here, we analyse the 20 likely stars already being looked at.
Seth Campbell
Although struggling early in his career with an adductor injury and some other leg setbacks, Seth Campbell has begun honing his craft via the VFL and AFL at Richmond.
The product of Burnie and North Launceston, he has only signed on with the Tigers until the end of 2024, meaning his career could take him back home when the time is right.
He's a small forward who can step into the midfield when need be.
Liam Henry
St Kilda's speed demon will be in the prime of his career come 2028, reaching age 27 at the perfect time for a move.
His exciting and exhilarating movement in-and-under the footy has his new club, St Kilda excited after his trade over from Fremantle at the start of 2024.
With one move interstate already complete, who is to say Henry can't make a further jump down south to join Tasmania?
The Devils will benefit from his elite speed and willingness to sneak goals from stoppages.
He has been likened to Giants skipper Toby Greene, but with even faster feet to carry the ball through the big sticks.
Rhyan Mansell
The Richmond half-back has signed only a one-year contract extension with the Tigers that sees him at the club until the end of this season.
The North Launceston talent could be keen to head home in 2028, when he'll be 27 at the start of that season.
Alongside St Kilda's young key defender Arie Schoenmaker, Mansell could add an element of security down back in the up-and-coming side, providing a sense of experience that their draftees will look to.
Kysaiah Pickett
Demons forward Kysaiah Pickett is contracted until the end of 2027.
The 22-year-old has become a mainstay in Melbourne's side since joining the club in 2020.
Pickett led the league in tackles inside 50 last season, exhibiting his electric defensive pressure.
However, he is better known for his creativity in front of goal with 37 or more majors to his name in each of the past three seasons.
He will be 26 years old when the 2028 season starts.
Ryley Sanders
The North Launceston boy was collected with pick No.6 in the 2023 draft, slotting straight into the Western Bulldogs line-up in round one.
Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge noted that Sanders was the most ready AFL draftee he had seen in his time at the top, suggesting there's even more he can provide in the seasons to come.
The in-and-under ball hunter is hungry to remain at the top level, with Tasmania Devils officials already keeping a keen eye on how he progresses in his first season.
The go-home factor could be strong in Sanders.
Matt Rowell
Put simply, the Gold Coast Suns midfielder would be Tassie's dream poster boy.
Coming out of contract in 2025, Rowell will be in the prime of his already impressive career.
The Devils will look to Rowell in the way Gold Coast looked to Gary Ablett Junior in 2011. A big-bodied midfielder who will be able to put a young Tasmania side on his back and carry them to victory.
By the time Tassie rolls into the league, who knows? Rowell will be 27 and he may already have a Brownlow Medal draped around his neck and be ready for his next challenge.
Noah Anderson
Noah Anderson's movements may not be as straightforward as teammate Matt Rowell's.
The tall midfielder will be 28 when Tasmania joins the league but comes out of contract with the Suns in 2027.
His elite ball movement alongside his supremely mature outlook on the game after just 81 games would be the exact reason Tassie wants him in the green, yellow and red.
Miles Bergman
Port Adelaide midfielder Miles Bergman is the definition of an elite athlete.
Bergman had a breakout 2022 before elevating his game again in 2023.
His efforts were recognised with selection in the AFLPA's 22-under-22 team last season.
Bergman is signed to the Power until the end of 2025. His latest extension followed a feverish negotiation period as rival clubs attempted to lure him away from Alberton.
Will Day
Hawthorn's Will Day is off-contract at the end of 2027.
The Hawks have placed a lot of faith in the 22-year-old during their rebuild.
A permanent move to the midfield last season appeared to unlock him.
In just his fourth year with the Hawks, Day took out the club's highest honour, the Peter Crimmins Medal, in 2023. In the same year, he was also recognised with selection in the AFLPA's 22-under-22.
Day is yet to take to the field in 2024 after suffering a foot injury during pre-season.
