The AFL have already attempted to take it down once, but the duo behind the Tasmanian Turbo Chooks are back with their ‘dream-team’ merch – which is raising money for Tasmanian charities.
Dan Taylor – co-host of Hit 100.9 Hobart Breakfast, and his Northern mate Ash Wayling, have gone to market with the tongue-in-cheek brand for the state’s new AFL team – selling Turbo Chooks stickers, t-shirts and hats.
The pair, who are both well-respected members of the Tasmanian comedy community, say all profits from the merch sales going towards Shelter Tas and Strike It Out – supporting Tasmania’s homeless.
Their initial design, which includes the words ‘Tasmania’ above the Turbo Chooks lettering, was taken down by merchandise site RedBubble – citing copyright infringement to the Australian Football League.
“We were raising money for Shelter Tas and Strike It Out,” Dan said. “But the AFL have taken it [the Turbo Chooks merch] down – except it doesn’t exist yet,” Dan said.
Dan & Ash have since replaced the word ‘Tasmania’ with ‘Sports Ball’ and put the merch back up for sale.
Despite the comedic attempts, the Tasmanian Devils remain the front-runner to become the name of the new Tasmanian AFL team.
However, Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff says he ‘isn’t ruling out’ the Turbo Chooks name just yet.
