Why Nelson Beikoff-Smart Chose Tasmania Over Other Opportunities

Jared Duggan

Editor

Last updated: Tue 23 Jun 2026 09:17

Jared Duggan 1 hour ago

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Nelson Beikoff-Smart swapped WAFL opportunities for Tasmania Devils’ debut VFL squad.
He’s quickly adapted to Tasmanian football’s tough climate & strong community backing.
His presence is pivotal in building the Devils’ culture and attracting AFL attention.

Devils Den Podcast

‘Bickies’ Embraces the Apple Isle: How Nelson Beikoff-Smart Swapped the Coast for the Devils’ Den

When Nelson Beikoff-Smart elected to turn down opportunities in Western Australia to sign with the inaugural Tasmania Devils VFL squad, he knew he was trading geographic comfort for football uncertainty.

‘Bickies’ Embraces the Apple Isle: How Nelson Beikoff-Smart Swapped the Coast for the Devils’ Den
Adapting to 'Hurricane Football'
The Reality of Local Support
The Road Ahead

Now, with the season underway and his nickname "Bickies" firmly established in the locker room, the former Gold Coast Suns Academy product is proving to be a critical foundational piece for the league's newest program.

The 20-year-old half-back arrived in Tasmania with strong state-league credentials, having already logged 26 VFL appearances for the Suns. Despite interest from WAFL clubs and alignment opportunities out west, Beikoff-Smart opted to head across Bass Strait, a decision heavily influenced by conversations with former Suns captain and veteran David Swallow.

“I wanted to be a part of a foundation club,” Beikoff-Smart said on the latest episode of the Devils Den podcast. “Seeing guys like David Swallow build something from the ground up on the Coast inspired me to take that same path here.”

Adapting to 'Hurricane Football'

The transition from the pristine, sun-drenched grounds of the Gold Coast to the gritty reality of Tasmanian winter football has been an immediate test of character.

The versatile defender recently got his first true taste of traditional southern footy during a freezing, rain-swept encounter at UTAS Stadium in Launceston. Rather than being deterred by the elements, Beikoff-Smart provided one of the highlights of the match, threading a crucial long-range goal from beyond the 50-metre arc.

“It was absolute hurricane football,” Beikoff-Smart joked. “Playing in a freezing Tasmanian downpour is completely different to anything back home. My only real regret from the day was not changing my socks at halftime.”

He has also had to adapt to the rigours of living independently for the first time, balancing a demanding VFL travel schedule with a local labouring job to support his football ambitions.

On-field, his performance highlights a player adjusting rapidly to the high-pressure, contested brand of football preferred by head coach Jeromey Webberley. His tactical background inside a tier-one AFL academy system, where he trained alongside the likes of Jed Walter and Will Graham, has added instant composure and elite distribution to the Devils' defensive transition.

The Reality of Local Support

While the physical environment has required a shift in mindset, the sheer scale of local football culture has exceeded the young defender's expectations.

Growing up on the Gold Coast meant playing in a market heavily dominated by rugby league, where state-league crowds were usually sparse. Debuting in front of a packed, highly vocal crowd at North Hobart Oval flipped that dynamic entirely.

“Running out at North Hobart was surreal,” Beikoff-Smart recalled. “You see the sea of green, people lining up for autographs after the game, and Devils stickers on cars everywhere you drive. The local support here is completely different to what I experienced back home. It makes you realise how much this team means to the public.”

The Road Ahead

For AFL recruiters tracking the progress of interstate recruits, Beikoff-Smart's output in the opening block of the season provides a clear sample size. He isn't just surviving the move south; he is cementing his place as a reliable distributor out of defensive 50 in a team that is actively building its culture ahead of its broader national integration.

With housemate and fellow Suns Academy graduate Maddox Iverach also breaking into the senior selection frame, the Queensland pipeline is starting to pay early dividends for the Devils' list management strategy.

To listen to the full, raw interview with Nelson discussing his choice over the West Coast, his time at the Suns Academy, and the origin of the “Bickies” nickname, check out the Devils Den Podcast episode with Nelson Beikoff-Smart. This full podcast episode gives an excellent, candid look at how the club's newest interstate recruits are handling the transition to Tasmanian football culture.