Collingwood star Nick Daicos hasn’t ruled out a possible future move to Tasmania, should the AFL’s planned expansion side, the Devils, officially join the competition.
The Devils, who were awarded the AFL’s 19th licence on the condition that a new stadium with a roof is built, are slated to debut in 2028. However, due to recent political uncertainty in Tasmania that has cast doubt on the stadium’s future, the AFL’s 18 existing clubs may vote later this year to delay the team’s introduction by 12 months.
Daicos, whose current contract with Collingwood runs through to the end of 2029 when he becomes a restricted free agent, said he is open to considering options down the line.
“I’d never completely shut the door,” Daicos said during a media event for Elite Supplements on Wednesday. “It’s hard to imagine right now — it’s still a long way off — but I’m really happy where I am at Collingwood.”
Daicos has a strong connection with Derek Hine, the Devils’ inaugural head of recruitment and former list manager at Collingwood. According to industry insiders, the Tasmanian team will have about $3 million in incentive funds over their first three seasons to lure talent, potentially offering players like Daicos significant sign-on bonuses outside the standard salary cap.
“I haven’t thought about it too much yet,” Daicos said. “Tasmania’s still a few years away. It’s great to see Hine involved there — he’s got a strong link to Collingwood. I’m sure he’s already identifying players, but right now my full focus is on this season with the Pies.”
If Daicos ever did make the leap, it would mirror the path taken by another famous AFL name — Gary Ablett Jr., who left Geelong in 2010 to become the marquee player at the newly established Gold Coast Suns. Ablett, a mentor and close confidant of Daicos, has spoken with him about that bold move and his development as a player.
“Gary’s someone I really look up to — he’s shared a lot of insights with me,” Daicos said. “We haven’t talked specifically about Tasmania, but he’s told me about his experience going to Gold Coast and how it helped shape his career.”
For now, though, Daicos is firmly focused on Collingwood’s premiership campaign in 2025. The Magpies are in prime position — leading the ladder by a game and a half with a match in hand, and are expected to extend that lead with a home game against West Coast looming.
Despite increased pressure from opposition teams targeting him, Daicos preferred to deflect attention to the collective efforts of the side.
“I just want to contribute each week and keep helping the team,” he said. “Some games I do more than others, but we’re all in this together. We know the challenge ahead, and we’re embracing it.”
Reflecting on his recent battle with St Kilda’s Marcus Windhager, Daicos said the team’s unity in adversity remains a key strength.
“Windhager’s been really good this year. He was tough last weekend, but the boys supported me and laid some big blocks. That stuff brings us closer,” he said.
“It’s like last year when Sydney came at me — half our team was in a scuffle. It just shows how tight we are. We all support each other, no matter who’s getting the attention.”
