We actually signed Oliver and ourselves up as a Devils member before we even knew he existed.

As soon as the Devils were announced as Tasmania’s newest AFL team, I knew that any future kids of ours would grow up supporting them.

It felt like the start of something special, a chance to give our family a team to follow together, right from the very beginning.

Even though I already support another AFL club (one that hasn’t won a premiership in over 60 years), I knew the Devils would become part of our family story too.

Both his mum and I have lived our lives around team sports.

She’s played football for Clarence and Hobart City, and I played juniors at Kingborough, then seniors with Channel, St Virgil’s, and the Richmond Blues.

Eventually the chronic ankle injuries, the same ones that stopped me from playing at AFL level… ha, caught up with me and I stepped away from local footy. Or at least that’s what I tell myself.

The truth is, footy has always been part of who we are, and always will be.

Community and team sport have shaped both of us.

They’ve given us friendships, belonging, resilience, and a sense of identity.

Signing Oliver and us up wasn’t just about football, it was about giving him the same foundation.

I hope he grows up gaining friendships, leadership, compassion, and all the things you learn when you’re part of something bigger than yourself.

I can’t wait for the day we walk into our newly built stadium together as a family and watch the Devils play in Hobart.

I’m already imagining the noise, the colours, the excitement, and the memories we’ll make.

And when the Devils eventually play my long‑suffering original team… well, I’ll have to come up with a way to choose who to go for.

More than anything, I hope Oliver grows up with valuable memories of us as a family, watching the AFL and AFLW teams play, sharing moments, building traditions, and being part of a community that feels like home.  

The Devils are more than a team for us.

They’re the start of something we get to build together.

Join The Celebration

Member Appreciation Round is all about recognising more than 30,000 members who have joined the journey in season 2026 and been with us every step of the way.

Join us at North Hobart Oval on Saturday August 8. Wear your Devils colours with pride, and help us create a memorable final doubleheader for season 2026.

Click here to purchase tickets and avoid missing out!