Former AFL player Isaac Smith said the Tasmanian Devils should target midfielder Harley Reid rather than Nick Daicos for the expansion club.

The recruitment strategy for the new franchise is critical as the club seeks to establish a competitive foundation before its debut. Choosing a cornerstone player will dictate the team's tactical identity and financial flexibility during its early years.

Smith, a four-time premiership winner [1], said Reid offers a more sustainable long-term fit for the organization. The decision involves balancing immediate star power against the future growth, and value of the roster.

A central part of this strategy involves the club's financial resources. The Devils have a $5 million signing bonus available for player recruitment [2]. Smith said that using these funds to secure young talent could have an inflationary effect on the market.

The expansion club is currently planning its first player sign-ons for the 2028 season [3]. This timeline allows the franchise to identify players whose career trajectories align with the team's entry into the league.

By prioritizing Reid, Smith said the club can maximize the impact of its signing bonus while securing a player capable of leading the team through multiple seasons. This approach focuses on value, and the potential for a long-term partnership between the athlete and the new Tasmanian market.

“Isaac Smith said the Tasmanian Devils should target midfielder Harley Reid rather than Nick Daicos”

The debate over targeting Reid versus Daicos highlights the tension between acquiring established elite talent and investing in high-ceiling youth. For a new franchise, the $5 million signing bonus is a powerful tool, but using it on a single superstar could create salary cap pressures or set a precedent that makes subsequent recruitment more expensive.