The Tasmania Devils are making a powerful impression ahead of their AFL entry in 2028, drawing record crowds and widespread community support in their current VFL campaign. The club, which will become the AFL's 19th side, has quickly captured the imagination of Tasmanians.
Record-Breaking Crowds
In March, the Devils sold out their first game at North Hobart Oval. On Anzac Day, they shattered the VFL home-and-away attendance record with over 14,000 fans at Ninja Stadium in Hobart. Despite heavy rain in Launceston, nearly 2,500 supporters turned out for the weekend match. These numbers highlight the deep hunger for elite-level football in Tasmania.
Community Engagement
The club has prioritized community connection from the start. Executive director Kathryn McCann, who joined after the Devils were confirmed in 2023, emphasizes the privilege of building something special. The club has already signed 216,000 foundation members, and junior participation has skyrocketed, with Tasmania now boasting the highest female participation rate in the nation. The men's team sits third on the VFL ladder with four wins in five games.
All VFL and VFLW home games are broadcast live on free-to-air TV, ensuring statewide access. McCann notes that this allows fans who cannot attend matches to be part of the journey.
Uniting a State
The Devils are designed to represent all of Tasmania, not just one region. Matches are held in Hobart, Launceston, and soon Penguin, where a mid-season doubleheader will be a weekend-long community event. Last year, 15,000 Tasmanians rallied in support when political turmoil threatened the club. The Anzac Day game drew 107,000 TV viewers, out-rating the Collingwood v Essendon AFL match in the state.
Building for the Future
The club is already planning for AFL competition, not just the VFL. McCann states they are preparing to play Collingwood, not Coburg. The next two years are crucial for pressure-testing the organization. Community-focused initiatives include the popular mascot Rum'un, created by a local puppeteer using fabric from recycled school uniforms, and the Tasmanian Academy of Leadership and Sport, which provides pathways for young Tasmanians into elite sport. This year, 90 students are enrolled, many of whom might have left the island otherwise.
Fan Tiana Brown, a dedicated supporter who has raised funds for charity and driven the "Yes Stadium" movement, encapsulates the sentiment: "We deserve this. People have come and gone and died waiting for this team. Now we're in the cheer squad with kids waving flags. I am so immensely proud to be Tasmanian."
While debate continues over the proposed $1.13 billion stadium on Hobart's waterfront, the streets of Salamanca are filled with myrtle green. Pubs and cafes buzz with footy talk, and the state is energized by what lies ahead. Custom-designed Tassie Devils Blundstone boots are even available. This is the club fans have waited 160 years for.
