Back-to-back AFLW premiers North Melbourne will play four more games in Tasmania before the state’s own Devils team enters the competition.
The Kangaroos have won all but one of their Tasmanian matches since 2019 – and player Nicole Bresnehan said the team treats the state as a second home.
“We feel like we’re really supported by a fan base down here,” she said. “We just love coming down here to play.”
The two-year deal will see North Melbourne play two games per season in 2026 and 2027, split between Hobart and Launceston.
Club CEO Jennifer Watt said the Tasmanian partnership had been crucial to the team’s on-field success.
“Tasmania has been a really important part of that and we’ve built a lot of muscle down here,” she said.
“We’ve had some tough battles and … we’ve only lost one game, so I think it’s been very important.”
Watt said the club would step aside once the Devils arrive.
“We feel like … we’ve played an important role in building the momentum and paving the way to demonstrate that footy can be supported in Tassie,” she said.
“But I think it’s time for you to have your own team and clear air.”
The deal includes community camps where players visit schools and local clubs.
Tourism, Hospitality and Events Minister Jane Howlett announced the $900,000 agreement at North Hobart Oval on Tuesday.
“We all know that you can’t be what you can’t see,” she said.
“It’s so important that our young female footy stars here get to see elite sporting content.”
