The Tasmania Football Club has confirmed that more than 40,000 people have signed up as Founding Members of the Tasmania Devils, just two hours since the memberships went on sale.
The long-awaited Tasmanian AFL team’s colours, name and guernsey were officially revealed shortly after 6pm at launch sites in Hobart, Launceston, Devonport, Oatlands, Queenstown and St Helens, along with dozens of live streaming venues across the state, on Monday.
Although founding membership sales didn’t open until 6:43pm, by 7:30pm more than 20,000 memberships had been sold.
At 8:45pm, the club confirmed the tally had reached a total of 40,000 founding members.
Tasmania Football Club Chair Grant O’Brien said they’ve been “blown away” by the support Tasmanians have shown.
“It has been a truly special moment in our state’s football history with thousands of Tasmanians joining in the cheers and tears as we, together, unveiled our Club,” he said.
O’Brien says while the club does not yet have players, it has a team.
“We are the team,” he said.
The team will wear Myrtle Green, Primrose Yellow and Rose Red, paying homage to decades of tradition in Tasmanian football.
The guernsey features a map of Tasmania and a red “T” at its centre.
“The famous jumper bearing the map of our island has endured many contests and famous victories and inspired our champions and our supporters over the years. It’s our flag and we will ensure it continues to fly and be worn proudly,” O’Brien said.
Founding memberships are available here.
