The junior and Auskick footy numbers which prove Devils impact

Since Tasmania was handed a conditional licence to become the AFL’s 19th team, the number of junior footy participants have soared. See the impact it’s having in Hobart’s northern suburbs.

If there was ever proof of how much impact the potential Tasmania Devils AFL team has on the community, look no further than Glenorchy.

The Magpies have seen a remarkable 128 per cent growth in their Auskick numbers this year, building momentum across the northern suburbs.

The soaring rise in participation is thanks to the growing enthusiasm among young players inspired by the rise of the Devils to the AFL along with the increased investment from Tasmanian football from the AFL.

Glenorchy football club has seen an increased growth of 128 per cent in Auskick in 2025. Picture: Supplied

Magpies president Peter Barwick said the level of growth and enthusiasm is great for the club.

“AFL Tasmania staff have supported our volunteers and brought new techniques and learnings which have translated into greater engagement with the kids,” Barwick said.

“The way that they’ve brought the love of the game and for having some fun with your friends into this program is sensational and no wonder the numbers are so good.”

Barwick said the belief a Tasmanian team is within reach has buoyed players at all levels.

“To be part of the generation where it is a reality where Tasmania will have a team and stadium and a pathway for these juniors in Auskick to come through and stay in their home state.”

With the latest appointment of Chris Ryan in the participation growth role for AFL Tasmania, the junior pathway and Auskick pathway continue to rise throughout the state.

“A strong Auskick program is essential to the long-term health of any club,” Ryan said.

“The growth we’re seeing at Glenorchy is not only exciting – it’s pivotal to building a sustainable future for football in Tasmania.

“It has been incredibly rewarding working with Glenorchy and seeing just how quickly the club has made progress with their Auskick.

“We work hand-in-hand with the hardworking volunteers at local footy clubs and our job is to make their lives easier and to lay the foundations to enable programs to be really engaging to grow and thrive.”

SHEFFIELD UNVEILS SQUAD FOR TEAM OF CENTURY

North West Football Association club has unveiled its 50-player squad for the team of the quarter century.

The official team will soon be announced for a period of 2001 to 2025.

Rules for selection include players having played 50 senior games in that period and coaches must have coached 25 senior games.

See who has been picked.

Players: Craig Barber, Simon Barber, Ryan Braid, Jamien Branch, Mitchell Burns, Shane Campbell, Ben Corbett, Simon Cameron, Dion Clarke, Jess Clark, Brendon Davey, Jackson Davies, Liam Davies, Shane Diprose, Robert Dunlop, Ethan Duff, Kayden Deverell, Manassah Dare-Bonnici, Corey Foley, Anthony Frankcombe, Scott Frankcombe, Tim Ivory, Shane Johns, Steve Kent, Josh Kelly, Matthew Knight, James Knight, Jason Lockett, Sam Marshall, Jamie Martin, Aaron McNab, Richard Miles, Shannon Mulvey, Shane O’Neill, Garry Padman, Ryan Patterson, Roland Proud, Jacob Rootes, Chris Smith, Jade Smith, Andrew Stretton, Brendon Short, John Sullivan, Matthew Sullivan, Jakeb Taylor, Tony Temple, Matthew Wall, Scott Westbrook, Ryan Wilson, Reg Woodiwiss.

Coaches: Rodney Padman, Brett Smith, Aaron McNab.

Originally published as The junior and Auskick footy numbers which prove Devils impact