Tassie footy legends proud as punch AFL dream is realised

Tasmania Football Club will be officially launched across the state on Monday. Local legends Peter Hudson and Rodney Eade believe the impact it will have won’t be restricted to footy.

Tasmanian football great, pictured at the 2018 TSL season, is excited about the state’s new AFL club. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

The passion in Tasmania football great Peter Hudson’s voice is evident when he states “it just doesn’t seem right” the state doesn’t have a team to call its own.

That will change on Monday night when the AFL’s 19th club is officially unveiled on Monday night at various launch sites across the state.

The iconic full forward, one of four Tasmanians to be awarded ‘Legend’ status after kicking 729 goals in 127 games for Hawthorn, hailed the club’s inception as a necessity given the state’s football history.

The 78-year-old now lives in Victoria, and said the club would not only allow local talent a chance to remain home, but have flow-on effects for communities.

“In football terms it means so much because it seems like it’s been on the cards for so long, and now it’s all finally happening, it’s a great feeling,” he said.

“I live in Victoria now and have for a long time, but I don’t think I’ve struck anybody who isn’t excited about it. The statements I hear time and time again is it’s great for Tasmania and it thoroughly deserves a team in the AFL.

“I think it’s a must that all football in Tasmania, all junior and amateur competitions, benefit from it. For me that’s what it’s all about.

“The longer it (campaign for a team) went on, the more doubt there was in people’s minds, but my motto is never say never.

“The quality of footballers Tasmania has produced, we’re punching well ahead of our weight division. It just doesn’t seem right we don’t have our own team.”

Hudson pointed to his family’s decision to relocate to Melbourne, to help support son Paul after he was drafted by Hawthorn, as another huge benefit the club will provide.

“In hindsight it’s the best thing we could have done because it gave Paul the backing of family, which made it so much easier for him to adjust,” he said.

“There’s going to be a lot of Tasmanian boys and girls who can aspire to the highest possible level, and they can do it from the comfort of their own homes.

“Can you imagine what it would be like if Tasmania won a grand final? I just wish the best for everybody involved with it, and it will be a wonderful thing when it all gets up and going. “As far as I’m concerned I’m looking forward to getting my membership, I’ll be a member of the Tasmanian team.”

Four-time Hawks premiership player and 377-game AFL coaching veteran Rodney Eade agreed club would have a wide spread impact on Tasmanian communities.

“Obviously it’s fantastic for footy itself, it’s fantastic for all boys and girls, and it will have a flow-on effect for the state,” he said.

Peter Hudson last year. Picture: Aaron Francis/Herald Sun

“Not just footy clubs, but families and the economy. It’s a pity we weren’t in earlier but it is what it is and it’s our one chance to grab hold of it.

“The AFL is such a big industry to be a part of that is exciting. But for me that’s not my biggest driver.

“I may be idealistic but it’s more about the aspirations for younger people. I think more people will get into sport, and there’ll be offshoots for other sports as well.

“It’s going to help communities, country towns who have lost football clubs, I think it will help the economy of towns.

“It’s not just going to be about the elite pathway. That’s a big part of it, but I think it will be a massive positive for communities.”

Rodney Eade. Photo by Michael Klein

Eade began his coaching career with the Brisbane reserves and also had AFL stints at Sydney and Gold Coast.

The Glenorchy product guided the Swans to the 1996 grand final, but he said the Tasmania team will have a head start over northern state expansion clubs like the Suns and GWS.

“Tassie has a huge advantage over them being a footy state, I’ve got no doubt it will generate a great deal of interest and support,” he said.

“You’ve seen how many more members and interest Hawthorn has been able to generate with games down there.

“There’s no doubt there’ll be interest and passion and for Tassie that’s a huge advantage as a new team.

Rodney Eade during his coaching tenure at Gold Coast Suns. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

“In terms of sponsorship people will want to get on board and memberships will be strong, “The list build is important to get right, and the AFL will be very positive about that in the way they help and assist that.”

Around 20 community venues will host viewing parties for Monday’s launch from 5.45pm, including gatherings at Devonport, Hobart, Launceston, Oatlands, Queenstown and St Helens.

The launch will also be live streamed by the AFL.

Originally published as Tassie footy legends proud as punch AFL dream is realised