Tasmania Football Club feels the ‘Launnie love’ at launch event

Richmond and Tasmania legend Jack Riewoldt hailed Monday night’s launch of the state’s AFL club as “the dawn of a new era in Tasmanian football” after attending Monday’s event in Launceston.

Youngsters Maxwell Nutting, Jesse Nutting and Alex Nutting get into the spirit after the launch of Tasmania Football Club at Launceston’s UTAS Stadium. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

Tasmania Football Club’s decision to retain its tradition was met by rapturous applause at Launceston when Richmond legend Jack Riewoldt helped launch the team on Monday night.

The gathering at UTAS Stadium showed their approval after the team’s colours, logo and playing strip was officially unveiled.

The Tasmania Devils will wear the famous ‘Map’ which has been iconic with the state’s representative teams, and the traditional green, yellow and red colours.

Former AFLW player and current Old Launcestonians coach Abbey Green said the community had made it clear they didn’t want to deviate from tradition.

I feel like it had to be the traditional colours, it had to be the Tassie Devils,” she said.

“We went to community events and everyone had their input, and this is where it needs to be.

“We had a lot of feedback that said keep the tradition going, it was about what Tasmania wanted and it was the overwhelming response.

Junior players showcase Tasmania Football Club's jersey they will wear in the AFL. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

“I think it’s beautiful, it really reflects where we are as people.”

Riewoldt described the occasion as “the dawn of a new era in Tasmanian football”.
“While we’re named and have a new logo, this will be felt at grassroots level too. They can represent their people on their own patch in Hobart, and here in Launceston,” he told Fox Footy’s AFL360.
“Overwhelmingly through surveys and face-to-face encounters we’ve had, it’s resounding the Devils is the name.

“The jumper is a reincarnation of the great Tasmanian state jumper, it was something that really shone through (that people wanted).
It’s amazing how many reincarnations I’ve seen of this logo. It’s been an amazing process to be involved in. To finally be able to name the team so I’m not the one to slip up and say it in an interview or conversation is a weight off my shoulders.”