Musicians and songwriters will be able to submit their own anthem for the Tasmania Devils from next week, as the club works to have an official song in place before its 2028 AFL and AFLW debut.
The Devils are calling on musicians, songwriters and storytellers “from every corner of the map” for a song with “pride, passion and a bit of Tassie spirit”.
Under the club’s guidelines, entries should be catchy, easy to learn and suitable for supporters of all ages, reflecting Tasmania’s identity, football heritage and island spirit. Entrants are asked to avoid anything “overly complicated, gimmicky or corporate”.
Each song will be scored against five equally weighted criteria worth 20% each: singability, emotional connection, reflecting Tasmania, originality and first impression.
Entries must be the entrant’s original work and no generative AI tools can be used to create any part of a submission.
Songwriters must also own the rights to their song and agree to the full submission requirements before uploading.
The club said it may work with entrants whose songs progress to adapt or refine them. If a song is selected, its writer must agree to work with the club on commercial terms to hand all rights to the Devils.
In July, the Devils named an eight-member panel led by chief executive Brendon Gale to help create the song. Its members include Tasmanian AFL great Matthew Richardson, Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra chief executive Caroline Sharpen and Devils VFLW co-captain Meghan Gaffney.
Speaking at the time, Gaffney said the panel was a chance to combine football, music and her home state.
“We will be singing this after wins for years to come and I cannot wait to work alongside such incredible Tasmanians to help bring it to life,” she said.
During their first VFL and VFLW seasons, the Devils have used an interim song based on Along the Road to Gundagai.
Community submissions open on Wednesday, October 28, with details on how to enter to be shared through the club’s website.
