JackJumpers welcome Tasmania Devils to the sporting big time

Tasmania’s two biggest sporting franchises look set to to partner in off-field “teamwork” as they go for glory in national competitions. Here’s how it could work.

Matthew Richardson poses with The Tasmania Devils inaugural jumper. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Tasmania’s other flagship sporting franchise, basketball sensation the JackJumpers, have welcomed the Devils AFL club to the national stage and even lent their “Defend the Island” battle cry to the state’s new footy team.

As they prep[are for game two of their NBL grand final play-off series in Hobart on Friday night, JackJumpers CEO Christine Finnegan extended her club’s congratulations to “the state’s long-awaited team in the AFL”.

Tasmania JackJumpers CEO Christine Finnegan. Picture: Linda Higginson/Tasmania JackJumpers

“On behalf of the entire club, I want to welcome the Tasmania Devils, not only to the Tasmanian and Australian elite sporting landscape but into the hearts, minds and imaginations of the Tasmanian people,” Finnegan said.

“Sport is one of the great unifiers of our society, and none more so than in the passionate and parochial state of Tasmania.

VARIOUS CITIES, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 18: The Tasmania Devils logo is unveiled during a media opportunity announcing the details for the Tasmanian AFL team, at Hobart Theatre Royal on March 18, 2024 in Various Cities, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

“We have embraced and reinvigorated that through our own journey and look forward to watching on as the Tasmanian team evolves into a reality and working closely with the growing administration and eventual high-performance team.”

Finnegan said the JackJumpers have proven that Tasmania can be a sought-after destination for “high character talent both on and off the court and field, where athletes and administrators can thrive”.

The JackJumpers would assist the Tasmanian AFL team “and share insights into the club’s expansion on the national sporting stage, underpinned by shared values of humility, grit and a focus on community”.

“Sport gives people a place to belong, an outlet for escapism and ultimately a tangible sense of community” Finnegan said.

“We’re excited to share our own learnings through the club’s infancy and help where necessary to ensure a successful start to the Devils’ journey in the AFL.

“We certainly see the Devils as complimentary to the JackJumpers and the NBL and are delighted that Tasmanians will have elite sporting content across the state, year-round.

“Let’s Defend the Island together.”