Geelong's Jake Kolodjashnij doesn't see himself returning to his home state of Tasmania when the AFL expands to 19 clubs by the 2028 season.
The Devils are set to enter the competition in four years and will work through an extensive recruitment period in the year prior to their inaugural game, as talent with ties to the island state likely to be in their sights.
Tasmania will be loaded with draft and trade concessions that will give them an edge during the 2027 off-season, while they'll have an entire salary cap to fill in their list build.
There are just over 20 Tasmanians currently listed in the AFL, most of which are anticipated to be in the league come the start of the 2028 season.
Launceston-born Kolodjashnij will be 32 years of age come the start of that campaign, with his form, desire and fitness likely to be factored in any potential move to the Devils.
However, having grown a family in Geelong and loving his time in the hoops, the 28-year-old doesn't see himself heading back to the Apple Isle when the competition adds a new club.
"I'm Geelong through and through at the moment," Kolodjashnij said on Tuesday.
"I've been here since I was a kid, slowly matured, grew up and started a family.
"It would be hard to pull up stumps and ship over to Tassie. It's a long time away too, I don't know how the body's going to be.
"I'm loving my time here at Geelong and I don't really see myself being anywhere else."
While Kolodjashnij won't need to make that decision for a few more years, the Cats defender still needs to settle his future beyond 2024 given his current status as a free agent.
The premiership Cat is hoping to have a new deal settled in the coming weeks, with Kolodjashnij's management and Geelong football boss Andrew Mackie set to meet when the club has its mid-season bye in Round 14.
"I believe my manager and 'Mack' will catch up over the bye," Kolodjashnij added.
"I'll let those things play out. I like to sit on the sideline with that and whatever happens happens.
"Hopefully, they can work through the contract negotiations."
Kolodjashnij is one of 10 free agents on Geelong's list this year, with Jed Bews, Mitch Duncan, Tom Hawkins, Jack Henry, Emerson Jeka, Brandan Parfitt, Rhys Stanley, Tyson Stengle and Zach Tuohy also eligible for free agency and yet to settle on a new contract at Kardinia Park.
The lockdown defender has played 184 games for the Cats since joining the club in 2013 as the 41st overall pick at the National Draft.
