Elvsey (Jan) Geale and Oliver Boomsma have both written songs for the Tasmania Devils
Tasmania Devils fans are already trying their hand at penning a catchy new song for team. Check out the lyrics.
Tasmania
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They are generations apart but their love of football has led a Tasmanian octogenarian and a seven-year-old Melbourne boy to write songs for the Devils.
Elvsey (Jan) Geale, who lives in aged care at Beaconsfield and is about to turn 83 is originally from South Australia.
She’s an Adelaide Crows supporter but was inspired to write a song after seeing Premier Jeremy Rockliff talking about the successful bid for the state’s AFL team.
“I was so honoured to think I’d written to him and he’d answered my letter and passed it on to Minister Street,” she said
“They sent me a scarf and a beanie – I got such a shock, I couldn’t believe it.
“Over a couple of weekends, I sat here and fiddled with the words.
“It’s a very catchy tune.”
Mrs Geale said Tasmania had been waiting a long time for its own team which was much needed as many Tasmanians played with other AFL clubs.
Seven-year-old Oliver Boomsma plays for the Ringwood Redbacks, is a Richmond supporter and huge fan of Jack Riewoldt.
“I have been listening to all the AFL teams songs, and I liked the beat and rhythm, so I thought I should write a really good song for them,” he said.
“My favourite line of my song is ‘we may be off the main, but there’s footy in our vein.
“I like Jack Riewoldt because A. he played for 17 seasons, B. He only played for Richmond in his AFL career and C. I worked out that he kicked an average of 46.235 goals a season.
“I would like to meet him.”
He predicts the Devils will win three games in their first season.
His mum Lexie said Oliver wears hearing aids in both ears and loved the theme songs of the AFL teams.
Tasmania Football Club chair Grant O’Brien said he was warmed by Mrs Geale and Oliver’s contributions which reflected huge interest in the team.