Tasmania has its sights on Collingwood midfielder-forward Jordan De Goey ahead of its much-anticipated introduction to the AFL in 2028.
The Devils have begun reaching out to rival clubs and players in a bid to lure them down to the Apple Isle, and have plenty to pitch.
The AFL's newest team will have a litany of draft concessions at its disposal to broker trades, while they have enough money - including a sign-on bonus - to turn the heads of players who could don the Devils guernsey.
On Footy Classified, the panel discussed how De Goey could quickly become a player of interest for Tasmania, especially with the links to Derek Hine, who drafted the matchwinner to the Pies in 2014.
Hine is the Devils' head of recruiting and showed tremendous success during his time at Collingwood.
De Goey is contracted for next year, but remains one of the few players with trade currency at the Pies, if the club were to consider parting ways.
"I'd be absolutely shocked if they didn't throw the kitchen sink at him."
Sam McClure believes Tasmania will make a big play for Jordan De Goey next year.#9FootyClassified | Watch on 9 & 9Now 🖥️ pic.twitter.com/QovNm15Q4N
— Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) August 31, 2026
Tasmania has also thrown the ball at the stumps of fellow Pie Beau McCreery, but he reassured Pies fans he'd remain put.
"All the stuff came out, and I've probably seen more of it than people think, and I've always flown under the radar really well, so I was pretty rattled when it all came out," McCreery told Zero Hanger.
"Seeing my name associated with one million bucks, it genuinely rattled me because I'd never seen that. I feel like I battled a little bit with it more than I thought I would have.
"I've still got another year of footy to play at Collingwood. I'd love to play here for the rest of my career, so right now it's not a worry about a contract for me; I'm just trying to enjoy my footy, enjoy off-field, and not worry about that sort of stuff."
The Pies farewelled club legends Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom after the Wildcard Round loss to the Western Bulldogs.
Free agents Lachie Neale and Jesse Hogan loom as likely inclusions in the off-season, with the latter's departure from GWS confirmed by the club. Neale's decision will be revealed once the Lions complete their quest for a third consecutive flag.
