Australian football’s newest mascot Rum’un marched in the grand final parade in Melbourne this morning, the first time the Devils have taken their place alongside the league’s 18 existing teams at football’s biggest weekend.
Chief marketing officer Kath McCann said the reaction from the crowd was overwhelming.
“We were the only club there that had our mascot and the response and the reaction to Tasmania, to our entry and to Rum’un has just been, in fact, overwhelming,” she told Pulse.
Clubs carry their flags in the parade in the order they finished the season, which placed the Devils at number 19.
The club has been part of grand final week events across the city.
CEO Brendon Gale appeared on stage at Footy Fest yesterday and Devils player Brandon Leary will run in the 100-metre sprint at halftime tomorrow.
“Brandon is so excited to be a part of it and we couldn’t be happier to have Brandon representing Tasmania, but also to have Tasmania running and being represented on the hallowed turf on the big day in September,” McCann said.
McCann said support for the club stretched well beyond Tasmania and was reflected in membership numbers.
“I don’t think we can underestimate the support off island,” she said.
“The response from the league and football people across the country around our impending arrival is just one of… It’s pure joy and welcoming and that’s really exciting.”
She said crowd members had yelled out “Welcome to the AFL, Tassie” during the parade.
McCann joked the warm welcome might not last once the Devils start recruiting and winning games.
Rum’un was photographed near Brownlow Medal winner Nick Daicos backstage before the parade.
“No formal agreements undertaken back-of-house at the parade, I can assure you,” she said.
Rum’un made his mainland AFL debut at Adelaide’s Gather Round in April this year.
