The Tasmania Devils are heading straight to the heart of local communities with a world champion woodchopper and a statewide campaign to drum up support ahead of their AFL debut.
Teaming up with iconic axeman David Foster and the Tasmanian Hospitality Association, the club is rolling out posters and drink coasters to pubs and venues across the state.
Devils CEO Brendon Gale says the campaign captures the club’s grassroots spirit and its mission to connect with fans in every corner of the island.
“We’re a team by Tasmania, for Tasmania and we really believe in our ability to unite and inspire Tasmania,” Gale said.
“Pubs are hubs of community activity … where people come to feel as though they belong … and we’re no different. We’re a club, we want people to feel as though they can belong.”
Foster, one of Tasmania’s most recognisable sporting figures, has signed on as an ambassador and plans to hit the road, visiting venues around the state to spread the Devils’ message.
“This footy team is about all Tasmanians,” he said. “Not about north or south. It’s about all Tasmanians getting behind a Tasmanian team that we all deserve.”
The campaign is part of a broader push to build a passionate, statewide supporter base and, in time, shift some AFL loyalties away from mainland clubs to the island’s own.
Tasmanian Hospitality Association President Ben Carpenter said the partnership was more than just promoting a football team but about supporting local businesses.
“Having big David Foster go out there into our pubs and clubs around Tasmania and help promote the Devils is a massive opportunity for us all,” he said.
“The Devils is going to bring us a stadium, a roofed stadium. That’s a huge opportunity for Tasmania in itself.”
“It’s going to put us on the world stage, which we’re just not there at the moment.”
