The Tasmania Devils and Port Melbourne will reignite a piece of football history this weekend, with the return of the Bob Withers Cup when the two sides meet at UTAS Stadium in Launceston.

Last contested in 2008, the trophy honours Bob Withers, one of the most influential figures in Tasmanian football history, whose legacy spans both clubs and states.

Born in Victoria in 1933, Withers first rose to prominence with Port Melbourne, where he played 137 games between 1952 and 1959.

He was part of the club’s 1953 premiership side and was later named at half-back in its Team of the Century, before going on to make a lasting impact in Tasmania.

Arriving in 1960, he joined North Launceston as captain-coach, leading the club to premierships in 1961 and 1963.

A decorated career followed, including 12 appearances for Tasmania, All-Australian honours in 1961, and the Lefroy Medal in 1963 as the state’s best interstate player.

He would later guide Launceston to a premiership in 1969, further cementing his reputation as one of the state’s greatest football figures.

Inducted as a Legend in the AFL Tasmania Hall of Fame, Withers is known not only for his success on the field, but for his profound impact on the development of the game in Tasmania.

Now, more than a decade on, the Bob Withers Cup returns as the Devils and Port Melbourne come together once again, celebrating a figure whose influence continues to shape Tasmanian football.