Tasked with spending Tasmania's $5 million signing bonus fund, each member of The Hitout AFL Podcast went down different avenues in how they'd look to build the Devils' list.
The AFL's 19th side will be able to spend the $5 million across the 2028 and 2029 seasons outside of their salary cap, and is required to spend no more than $3 million and no less than $2 million in either year.
Speaking on how he would split the cash, reporter Aidan Cellini opted for a share between one marquee talent, a veteran presence, and then multiple emerging players to help with the list build.
"My mindset would be not to split it down the middle, but get 2-3 stars and then role players at the same time," Cellini said on this week's episode of The Hitout.
"Get a marquee player like Tom Green. Alex Pearce as a veteran and captain, and then a Rhyan Mansell or a Sam Banks from Richmond - up-and-coming guys who have potential. They won't change the fortunes of the club, but have been in the system long enough.
"So you've got a nice blend of marquee, veteran experience and youth coming through."
Host Phoenix Trindad said he would aim to evenly share the $5 million across 4-5 'spine players' who can lead the charge for the next 5-10 years.
"I would build a spine and split $1 million for each player," he said.
"Get a fullback, key forward... a veteran midfielder, an emerging midfielder, and then a ruckman. But what is the most you'd pay for a ruck?"
Also looking at key positions to fill, Mitch Keating said he would only aim for three specific players - Nick Daicos, Josh Treacy and Connor O'Sullivan, with the former taking $2 million of the money on offer.
The other $3 million would be split between Treacy and O'Sullivan, who would come away with $1.75 million and $1.25 million each.
"I went similar, but I'm only going for three players," Keating said.
"I'm giving $2 million to Nick Daicos. $1.75 million to Josh Treacy. And I'd give the remaining $1.25 million to Connor O'Sullivan. That's all I'd want.
"Treacy is only 23-24 years old, O'Sullivan a bit younger, and Daicos is between those two. So I'd only go the three players, and that's my spine."
