Leading Tasmanian draft talent Colby McKercher isn't thinking about the potential lure of an incoming AFL club from his home state, with the electrifying midfielder ready to prove his loyalty at the elite level.
Recruiters and clubs will be mindful of the impending arrival of the 19th AFL club out of the Apple Isle, which will be prepared to try and pry local talent back home for its expected inauguration in 2028.
Over 20 players currently listed in the AFL are from Tasmania, with that figure set to grow next month through the 2023 National Draft.
Five Tasmanians will take part in the AFL Draft Combine this week, all of which are in the mix to land on a list in November.
McKercher is arguably the headline name out of the state, pairing with North Launceston talent Ryley Sanders as prospects likely to land in the opening 10 selections.
The midfield duo helped lead the Allies through a title-winning National Championships campaign - the first for the shared-state side.
Yet to have his name called and officially begin out his AFL dream, McKercher has already been quizzed by AFL clubs on his allegiance to his state and the potential go-home factor that looms further down the track.
The talented teenager said while most clubs have put the question to him, he only plans to be the most loyal player he can be.
"I have been asked quite frequently. I'm quite a loyal person and getting drafted to an AFL club is what I'm worried about at the moment," he said.
"I'm not sure about a move home. I'm pretty ready to live over here (Melbourne). I've been looking forward to it my whole life. I've dreamed of being an AFL player for 10-15 years now.
"Wherever I end up, I end up. I'm just worried about my training and then everything else plays out."
McKercher is arguably the leading midfield prospect behind likely No.1 figure Harley Reid among this year's class, having averaged 32.5 disposals for the Allies while also sharing the Morrish Medal as the Coates Talent League's best player for 2023.
The Launceston native has only seen his stocks rise this year off the back of a strong bottom-age season with the Devils, where he worked closely with now-Carlton defender Lachie Cowan and Port Adelaide rookie Tom McCallum to better his game.
"I learnt off some really good players last year in Lachie Cowan and Tom McCallum, a couple of players who got drafted," he said.
"Really nitpicking my routine and my preparation for games (has helped). I think I've really improved on my preparation this year and am just really focusing on enjoying my football and having fun, which is what it's about at the end of the day.
"I've been really happy with my year and it's now finished. But I'm looking forward to what's ahead.
"I set goals throughout the week just to get things done and do my preparation and recovery. Other than that, I just have fun and enjoy my football.
"I think everything else takes care of itself if I'm having fun and just playing to the best of my ability."
McKercher was the defining presence in the Allies' premiership-clinching win over Vic Country earlier this year, booting two late goals to go with his 32 possessions and eight clearances and help seal the title.
His competitive nature is a result of growing up in a driven family, with McKercher having a will to win like no other on the field.
"I think my parents are both very competitive, I have a very competitive family," he revealed.
"Everything that I've done during my life I've had to kind of work for and try my best at. Just have that competitiveness.
"Every time I step on the field I just really want to win. I really want to play well and do my best for my team."
McKercher hopes the Allies premiership is the start of a new era for the mixed squad, which is formed by prospects from Tasmania, New South Wales, Queensland, the ACT and Northern Territory.
The pacey ball-winner hopes it can spark some attention toward the smaller footballing states.
"The Allies (winning the National Championships) was probably a really big thing," McKercher said.
"I guess it just shows the younger kids that anything can be done. It doesn't matter where you come from.
"Hopefully the boys next year do a really good job and we keep improving and show the other states that we've got some really talented footballers."
McKercher spent a week training with recent premiers Collingwood last summer, getting first-hand experience on what it takes to train at the top level.
The 18-year-old said his time with the Magpies was "one of the best weeks of my life".
"I really had a great experience with Collingwood for that week. Obviously they had a really good win last weekend and it was awesome to watch," he said.
"Josh Daicos and Reef McInnes invited me into the club. Jakob Ryan as well, I did a few gym sessions with him. They really showed me what it's like to be an AFL player.
"It was one of the best weeks of my life. I had so much fun."
The 2023 National Draft will take place across November 20-21.
