Excitement for Tasmania Devils on show as juniors join footy fever at clinic

Piece of Tasmanian football history returned to the field as a TFL stalwart’s grandson joined in the excitement for a Tasmanian AFL team.

Jenson Peterson 5 wearing his grandfather’s (Robert Dykes) Tasmanian state playing jumper. Tasmanian kids from across the state have been able to get in the Devils spirit at the Tasmania Football Club school holiday clinics. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

As founding membership of the Tasmania AFL Club surges past 185,000 people, the enthusiasm for the game from the next generation of players has officials predicting a golden era of football in the state.

School holiday junior clinics across the state this week have been popular, with hundreds of children taking part and excitement for the Devils AFL brand, officially unveiled last month, clearly evident.

Tasmania Football Club executive director Kath McCann said founding memberships, launched just a month ago, on Thursday passed 185,000.

Emma Banks, 9, and Ivy Hickey, 9, play for Clarence Junior Football Club were keen to learn new skills at the clinic. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“I look forward to the day when one of these young people, actually multiple young people, get their name called up in the draft and [are] able to take the field for the Tasmania Devils,” Ms McCann said at Kingston Twin Ovals.

She said engaging with the next generation of football talent was a “critical” part of the club, ahead of its entry into the AFL in 2028, and potentially the AFLW a year earlier.

Head of AFL Tasmania Damian Gill said clinics across the state over the past few days put on “full show” children’s excitement for a brighter football future.

“It’s the kids – it’s the amazing future in front of them and it’s the excitement that Tasmania Devils brings to footy and brings to our state,” Mr Gill said.

“We know Tasmanians love footy, but they’ve been begging to belong to something for a long time and the Devils has given them that.”

Among the 300 participants at Kingston were nine-year-olds Emma Banks and Ivy Hickey, who started playing football this year.

“We started because we thought it was fun – and we love tackling,” Ivy said, demonstrating her skills on Emma.

Tasmanian footballer Robbie Dykes when he played for New Norfolk.

Tasmanian footballer Robbie Dykes, when he played for Glenorchy pictured on 23rd September 1984. Picture: James Kerr

Players from ages 8-12 braved some damp and cool conditions at Twin Ovals, including Jenson Peterson, the grandson of TFL stalwart Robert ‘Robbie’ Dykes.

Dykes was a celebrated captain of the Glenorchy Magpies and also played in three grand finals for New Norfolk.

Jenson Peterson 5 wearing his grandfathers (Robert Dykes) Tasmanian state playing jumper. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Jenson, 5, from Glenlusk, pulled on Mr Dykes’ vintage Tasmanian guernsey for the clinic. An avid Western Bulldogs supporter, Jenson’s mum said he would “most likely” switch loyalties when the Devils run out in 2028.

Mr Gill said participation in junior and youth leagues was up and he was expecting “really strong” Auskick numbers ahead.

“We’re really excited about where the game is headed from a participation point of view and that will only get stronger,” he said.