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.