Tasmania Devils defender Jack Callinan says he is loving life back home after three straight wins to start the VFL season, with the young gun eyeing a big crowd under lights at Ninja Stadium this weekend.
The Devils host Carlton in a Round 5 ANZAC Day clash on Saturday at 7:05pm, and Callinan can’t wait to take the field at the venue for the first time.
Callinan, who returned to Tasmania after a stint in the SANFL, has played every game this season and is stoked to be part of an unbeaten Devils side.
“It’s been awesome so far. I think three on the bounce has been pretty awesome,” Callinan said.
“I think if you told anyone in the squad or the staff that we’d be in this situation, I think they’d be pretty happy.”
The 20-year-old said the decision to come home wasn’t straightforward but the lure of Tasmania’s new VFL team and the chance to push for AFL selection through the golden ticket pathway sealed the deal.
“I loved my time in the SANFL but I’m really loving it at the VFL at the moment with the Devils,” he said.
“I think that was a big one for me, coming back down here and trying to go to the next level.”
Callinan’s father Ian starred for the Devils in the 2000s and has been sharing memories of playing at the ground ahead of Saturday night’s match.
“He said some of the crowds that were here and some of the big finals and games they played here were some of his best moments in footy,” Callinan said.
“We’re really looking forward to that this weekend and hopefully get a good crowd.”
On the role change from forward to defender, Callinan said it’s been a welcome shift.
“I wouldn’t have been in the back half I don’t reckon for my first junior career but I think being behind the ball now it’s obviously very different,” he said.
“I’ve enjoyed it so far and the trust that Jez [coach Jeromey Webberley] has put in me after only playing maybe a handful of games down there.”
Callinan credited Webberley the team’s exciting brand of footy and strong start.
“Everyone’s bought into what Jez has put forward to the group,” he said.
Carlton’s lineup remains unclear, with potential changes at senior level, but Callinan said the Devils would be ready regardless.
“Whatever squad they come down with we’ll be ready to go so it should be good,” he said.
Gates open from 12:00pm with an Anzac Day ceremony at 6:50pm before the match at 7:05pm.
A special half-time performance by Tasmanian country-rock band The Wolfe Brothers has been announced for the game.
The local duo, comprised of Tom and Nick Wolfe from Neika, are multiple Golden Guitar winners who have sold out shows around the world.
The pair said they are “honoured” to be taking to the stage at the weekend game, saying they “can’t wait”.
Free buses will run from Brooke Street Pier every 15 minutes from 5:00pm.
The match will be broadcast live on 7Mate in Tasmania, Kayo and the AFL website, with SEN and ABC calling it on radio.
