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Tasmania’s next generation of footy stars dream of playing in new stadium

Four junior players reveal how the new stadium approval has sparked impossible dreams of one day representing Tasmania at their own home ground.

Ryan Burnett and Joe Patmore with sisters Olivia Turner and Mia Turner who all play junior football with Lauderdale Football Club. The club has seen a huge surge in junior numbers and expect this to continue now the future of the Tasmania Football Club has been secured. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones
Ryan Burnett and Joe Patmore with sisters Olivia Turner and Mia Turner who all play junior football with Lauderdale Football Club. The club has seen a huge surge in junior numbers and expect this to continue now the future of the Tasmania Football Club has been secured. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Lauderdale Football Club sisters Olivia and Mia Turner are chomping at the bit to watch more AFL and AFLW in their own backyard — and the stadium’s approval has only added to the excitement.

Olivia, who is also part of the Tasmania Devils under 15 program, said the stadium would open up so many opportunities.

“It’s going to be great to build the stadium, not just for footy, but for jobs and for so much like concerts,” Olivia said.

“Now we won’t have to spend he money to go out to places [interstate], now we’ll get to have it here in Hobart.

“We finally got our own team, it’s just such a relief.”

Mia also thinks the stadium is “going to be great” and much like her older sister enjoys the sport because she gets to hang out with her friends.

Ryan Burnett and Joe Patmore with sisters Olivia Turner and Mia Turner who all play junior football with Lauderdale Football Club. The club has seen a huge surge in junior numbers and expect this to continue now the future of the Tasmania Football Club has been secured. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones
Ryan Burnett and Joe Patmore with sisters Olivia Turner and Mia Turner who all play junior football with Lauderdale Football Club. The club has seen a huge surge in junior numbers and expect this to continue now the future of the Tasmania Football Club has been secured. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The pair usually get their dose of AFL when North Melbourne plays in Hobart, but were excited with the Tasmania Football Club’s entry into the AFL and AFLW in 2028 to watch more games.

The sisters are part of a booming junior program at the Southern Bombers, which includes surging numbers in their female programs.

Mates Joe Patmore and Ryan Burnett will play together in the under 10s next season at Lauderdale.

Joe loves footy because it’s an Aussie sport, while Ryan just loves marking and kicking.

They’re both very excited for the stadium and Devils Football team, one day dreaming of playing for at Macquarie Point Stadium for Tasmania’s side.

molly.appleton@news.com.au

Originally published as Tasmania’s next generation of footy stars dream of playing in new stadium

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Original URL: https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/tasmania/tasmanias-next-generation-of-footy-stars-dream-of-playing-in-new-stadium/news-story/81fdff63c7b45c45ec9ac10b90a6e0a9