Sport shorts: North Hobart are looking to break a 56-year-old record in round one of the SFL

It is a stand which has stood the test of time, one which is older than the footy ground itself. Now after a 56-year-old record, North Hobart are hopeful to break history. Read how

Mick Medhurst, Chris Smith, Shane Arnol, Craig Martin, Deb Medhurst, Dave Kilpatrick and Trevor Best in the Ryde street stand at North Hobart Oval Picture: Linda Higginson.

North Hobart are launching a ‘call to arms’ for fans as it looks to break a long standing record in the opening round clash against Kingborough on Saturday.

The Demons are looking to break a 56-year old record with the Ryde Street stand by fitting as many people into the stand while cheering on their side in the new SFL Premier League.

The current record stands at 522 which was set in the 1969 grand final against Clarence with the Demons winning by 12 points.

Mick Medhurst, Chris Smith, Shane Arnol, Craig Martin, Deb Medhurst, Dave Kilpatrick and Trevor Best in the Ryde street stand at North Hobart Oval Picture: Linda Higginson.

Demons president Dave Kilpatrick said he is determined to see the record broken.

“It’s the start of the SFL competition and we’re going to try and break the world record for the most North Hobart supporters in the famous Ryde Street stand,” Kilpatrick said.

“We are big about connecting with community, we are the premier league footy club in Hobart LGA, the only one and we are ground here in North Hobart.

“So we are really looking to get back to some of the spirit of the old days.

“I have heard thousands of stories that went on in the Ryde Street stand and everyone has a story about coming to the ground and watching footy from their.

“We have actually moved the opposition to the change rooms on the other side so their fans don’t sit in this stand.”

Members and spectators will only need to pay a gold coin donation upon entry to the ground if they are planning to sit in the stand.

The game between North Hobart and Kingborough gets underway at 1.30pm on Saturday.

Light outs: NBL1 South game called off due to power outage

- Jake Garland

In one of the most bizarre circumstances, an NBL1 South rivalry has been halted due to reasons out of the competition’s control.

Hobart Chargers took on NW Thunder on Saturday night to start kick start the 2025 season but came with an ending no one expected.

With just under 90 seconds to play, and the Chargers leading 85-84, Harcourts Stadium lost power.

With players and officials unsure of the process, the game was called off with the league releasing a statement on Sunday morning.

“With 1:24 remaining, the 84-85 game between NW Tasmania and Hobart lost power at Harcourts Stadium,” the statement said.

“To ensure the most fair and correct decision is made, the NBL1 South League advisory panel will meet to decide the outcome of the game.”

NW Thunder said on a post “a power outage cuts our season-opener short”.

“Thank you to our Thunder Family for packing out Harcourts Stadium tonight,” the club said.

“We’re excited to run it back with the Hobart Chargers soon...”

Before the blackout Chargers star Jacob Richards was dominant with 27 points, six rebounds and an assist with Ole Angerstein finishing with 20 points, 12 rebounds and four assists.

Chargers off-season recruit Will Cranston-Lown had a huge first game with 12 points, five rebounds, 11 assists and five steals.

While Thunder captain Tre Armstrong had 21 points, three assists, an a rebound supported Kye Savage with 24 points, four rebounds and two assists.

Both Hobart Chargers and NW Thunder have been contacted for comment.

NWFL female talent press claims for VFLW

- Jon Tuxworth

Wynyard leader Jess Whelan believes the live streaming of NWFL Premier League games this season will expose more young talent to scouts as Tasmania’s VFLW and AFLW teams loom large.

The Cats take on defending premier Penguin in the grand final rematch to start the season at Ulverstone on Saturday.

It’s the headline act of the league’s gala day, with all three round one games to be played at the ground.

Whelan is adamant there’s plenty of north-west talent knocking on the door to be included in the state’s VFLW side, slated to enter the competition next year.

Whelan said top Tasmanian talent can be out of sight, out of mind and streamed games will give players the chance to put themselves in the spotlight.

“We’ve got so much raw talent coming through the ranks, it’s so exciting for those young girls to actually be noticed and to be watched each week by talent scouts,” she said.

“It opens up doors and opportunities for them that a lot of players who did make it through to AFLW (didn’t have, and had to do it) the hard way.

Ella Moodie (right) in action for the NWFL representative team. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“These girls are going to be noticed a lot earlier and sooner. For the coaches and leadership groups it’s going to be great to watch back and get feedback, but I’m more excited for the young girls and the opportunities that could come from this.

“We are our own little island and being on this end of the coat I think we get overlooked a little bit. The whole thing is going to elevate what it has been.”

Whelan said Ella Moodie and Olivia Pringle are examples of Cats players who could push for the VFLW squad.

“Both girls have come up through the ranks, you can tell they’ve played from a young age and their talent is raw and natural,” she said.

“Those girls work so hard, and I can see opportunities in the future for them.”

Penguin player Charlotte Dennis said the governing body has tweaked the rostering to help expose the women’s game.

“The league’s trying hard to put us more in the spotlight,” she said.

“Last year we played at 9am in the morning and it was tough to get a crowd. They’ve changed it to about 10.30 so more people come to see us, and it grows awareness which is really good.

“We have some roster games at around 12.30 before seniors, which is also good.

“There’s so many girls who are really striving towards that (VFLW) and have been for a few years in anticipation of a team like that to come along.

“I know a few of the girls on our team are definitely in contention for that.”

NWFL Premier League round one (all games at Ulverstone Football Ground): Circular Head v Ulverstone (1.30pm); Burnie v Devonport (3pm), Penguin v Wynyard (4.30pm).

Originally published as Sport shorts: North Hobart are looking to break a 56-year-old record in round one of the SFL