Tassie list boss names his ideal inaugural recruit ahead of AFL introduction

Jaiden Sciberras • May 19th, 2025 7:43 pm

Tasmania’s Head of List Management and Strategy Todd Patterson has named his ideal player approaching the Devils’ AFL introduction.

Handed the keys to construct the Devils’ list from scratch alongside Head of Recruitment Derek Hine, Patterson has identified a range of players he believes would fit the Tasmanian way, pointing out one specific star player he would love to see join the club.

With a number of players reportedly showing interest in joining Tasmania, Patterson has outlined a Brisbane Lions star as the club’s ideal fit approaching their inauguration in 2028.

“If you had to ask me who one of my favourite players was in the AFL, I love Zac Bailey,” Patterson told SEN Tassie.

“You’ve got to love the power, the competitiveness, the ability to ply multiple roles, aerial, all those sort of traits are the things that I love.

“Clearly, I come from the Melbourne way of character competitiveness, clearance, power, intercept marks.

“A lot of the players at Melbourne I really love, but that competitiveness, that’s really first and foremost.

“I think that’s what Tasmanians are going to want to see because that’s who we are.

“We wake up every day and we make it work, and we get to work. That’s got to be reflected a little bit in our side, but you also want to add a little bit of a pep in their step and get them a bit excited as well.

“It’ll be striking the balance there.”

When asked of Bailey’s contract status, Patterson was well aware of Bailey’s upcoming free-agent status.

The 25-year-old is set to hit the market at the end of the 2026 season.

“I believe he’s out of contract and a free agent next year, so a bit early for us.”