Footy-mad gran Roey Wilkinson hits a ton as Tasmania Devils milestone member
Tasmania is on top of the footy world, with fans signing up to the new Tasmania Devils Football Club in droves and founding memberships topping a staggering 125,000 on Wednesday.
Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Tasmania is on top of the footy world, with fans signing up to the fledgling Devils club in droves and founding memberships topping a staggering 125,000 on Wednesday.
The numbers put Tasmania on top of the AFL membership ladder, with powerhouse Collingwood leading the league in 2023 with 106,000 members.
Just 48 hours after the AFL’s 19th team launched, Devils executive director Kath McCann described the membership response as “breathtaking”.
“The Tasmania Devils Football Club extends its heartfelt gratitude to Tasmanians and footy fans near and far for becoming part of the team – we are the team,” Ms McCann said.
“Our club foundation has been built by the community, for the community – brought to life by the ideas and stories sourced from our state’s rich football history.
“I encourage all Tasmanians and football fans to become a founding member of our club and be part of our journey.”
Lindisfarne grandmother Roey Wilkinson is a lifelong footy fan, who backs St Kilda.
But when the chance came to sign up to Tasmania’s newest sporting club, Ms Wilkinson did not hesitate to go marching in.
And despite getting online just 24 hours after the Devils’ official launch on Monday night, the self-confessed sports tragic became the club’s 100,000th member.
“I was quite shocked, because when I watched the launch they said they would be happy if they got 40,000,” Ms Wilkinson said.
“So I am quite chuffed to be member number 100,000 - because that’s more than a lot of the Melbourne clubs.
“And I am a big fan of us having a Tasmanian side, because we have waited long enough. There’s a lot of kids here growing up today that could use a football team to inspire them to get involved.”
Ms Wilkinson said she would love to attend games when the Devils AFL and AFLW sides eventually joined the national competition in a few short years.
And there is no doubt that when that time comes, trips to the football will be a Wilkinson family affair.
“I want to take my grandchildren along, and my son is very much backing the Devils as well,” Ms Wilkinson said.
“And it’s not just for the boys, it’s for the girls too.”
Inside the plans to renew north against south footy rivalries
The evolution of Tasmanian football is almost complete with the north against south rivalries set for a new chapter. Here’s what we know with the changes close to completion.
Former premiership coach returns to Clarence
After weeks of speculation, the brother of AFL premiership coach Chris Fagan has signed on as Clarence coach. Here’s why Grant Fagan decided to return to the Roos.