Nat, you finally sucked me in to a paid sub that I can ill afford.
I wantded to share my story - no, not my whole story - that goes way off track of footy and is the subject of a book.
I believe we werre the first Tssmanian Hawthorn family with my grandfather, a midlands pastoralist, supporting the underdog Hawks from 1925.
I received my first jumper in 1957, the year we first made the finals and have bled gold and brown ever since - our whole family.
We even had memberships back in the 60's and used them once a year to fly over to Melbourne in an old DC3 - the ones that you had to off load the back passengers first so that the planes didn't tip over - and watch our beloved Hawks from the old wooden members stand right below the bugler.
On one occasion,then President Ron Cook took me and my brother into the change rooms to meet the players before a fiery John Kennedy address - I got to meet my heros, John Peck and Brendan Edwards but I recall that John Winnieke was the one who paid us the most attention.
Anyway, yes, there was not a word of your article, notca sentiment so aptly described that I could not totally empathise with.
I left Tasmania at 15 but the loyalty to Tassie has never waned but nor has my loyalty to the Hawks.
I now live in Portugal after ten years in Brazil but will still get up at 2.30 am if neccessary to watch our games.
Because I learned about Tassie footy considerably later than I discovered the game (and the Hawks), the Hawks will always be my team - but I bought a $10 founding membership to help the team get off the ground. Bought a guernsey, too - it sits next to my Hawks hoody in my front closet. If I could afford to do it, I'd buy full memberships with the Hawks and Devils - not to mention tonnes of merch.
I don't know if TSN (Canada) will show the game the first time the Hawks and Devils clash, but I will be cheering for the Hawks - but it's good to know that the Devils will exist.
Hi Nat, your best article yet (but I may be slightly biased as a proud Taswegian !!)
I can honestly say that when it was first talked about the possibility of Tasmania wanting to have a team join the AFL, my view was exactly the same as yours (and still is) that there was no way I would ever stop barracking for the mighty hawks but that I would take an interest in the Tasmanian team in every other game with the exception of when they played Hawthorn. I too, am a passionate follower of the Hurricanes and Jack Jumpers and any other person and/or team that hails from the Apple Isle will always have my full support. I only hope, as a 29 year HFC member, that Hawthorn will continue to play some games at UTAS Stadium as a lot of members/supporters have also travelled up from the West and North West Coast (like both the "North" and "South") to support the Club over many years.
Looking forward to both reading and hearing more of your opinions in 2025 Nat ... GO HAWKS !!
Is it still true that the northern part of the state sees itself as quite distinct to the south?
I think with the advent of the Devils...the Hawks should keep playing in Launceston
My guess is there is still a market there. Especially if the Devils are not good.
I live in Tennessee and we have the Titans as the local NFL team. They started in 1998 - they used to be the Houston Oilers. They played in the SuperBowl over 20 years ago but have not been good since.
In my experience - even here in the U.S. - where teams move around and change a lot - people stick with the teams they grew up with - so there are plenty of non Titans fans here and in fact it is likely there are as many non Titans fans as Titans fans here.
For the record I am also a GWS member. I just like them and I also hate the Swans. 😁
Look there will always be a north south divide to a degree - but i think the success of the JackJumpers & Hurricanes shows how minimal an issue it is. The JJs pack out the Silverdome every time they play in Launceston, the Hurricanes games at UTAS (despite being called hobart) have been extremely well supported over the years.
It is definitely an angle to try and explore for the Hawks though to see if they can tap into the North over the South, i just dunno how successful it will be.
However as you say - early success for the Devils will be extremely important
I always have, and still do believe that the AFL have expanded too far already.
I firmly believe that the Sunshine and Giants were NOT in the best interests of the game.
I understand the Eagles, Crows, Power & Freo, but even though I am Victorian living in Perth, there are too many teams in Melbourne.
14 teams, total; are the maximum number of licenses that should be available. Each club plays each other twice and all clubs have a fair shot at Good Friday and other big games. A televised, transparent draw to set up the season.
I do not subscribe to the AFL's manufactured 'blockbuster' style fixture.
The whole purpose of fixturing should be (as far as possible) to ensure that all club's have a fair and equitable season. I know that's impossible on a continent as large as ours, but the AFL should not be aggravating the situation in a bid to sell their TV rights.
14 clubs would keep it at the elite level. A strong national tier 2 competition would provide a strong valid pathway for those who are not at that elite level
Nat, you finally sucked me in to a paid sub that I can ill afford.
I wantded to share my story - no, not my whole story - that goes way off track of footy and is the subject of a book.
I believe we werre the first Tssmanian Hawthorn family with my grandfather, a midlands pastoralist, supporting the underdog Hawks from 1925.
I received my first jumper in 1957, the year we first made the finals and have bled gold and brown ever since - our whole family.
We even had memberships back in the 60's and used them once a year to fly over to Melbourne in an old DC3 - the ones that you had to off load the back passengers first so that the planes didn't tip over - and watch our beloved Hawks from the old wooden members stand right below the bugler.
On one occasion,then President Ron Cook took me and my brother into the change rooms to meet the players before a fiery John Kennedy address - I got to meet my heros, John Peck and Brendan Edwards but I recall that John Winnieke was the one who paid us the most attention.
Anyway, yes, there was not a word of your article, notca sentiment so aptly described that I could not totally empathise with.
I left Tasmania at 15 but the loyalty to Tassie has never waned but nor has my loyalty to the Hawks.
I now live in Portugal after ten years in Brazil but will still get up at 2.30 am if neccessary to watch our games.
This is incredible Mac! What a family story! Great to have you on board at HI for 2025!
Unreal, what a comment! Thankyou for sharing.
100% - no matter how long you’ve been away, Tassie is always in you.
Thanks for subscribing! Set for a big year, and let us know if you’re ever in melbourne
Because I learned about Tassie footy considerably later than I discovered the game (and the Hawks), the Hawks will always be my team - but I bought a $10 founding membership to help the team get off the ground. Bought a guernsey, too - it sits next to my Hawks hoody in my front closet. If I could afford to do it, I'd buy full memberships with the Hawks and Devils - not to mention tonnes of merch.
I don't know if TSN (Canada) will show the game the first time the Hawks and Devils clash, but I will be cheering for the Hawks - but it's good to know that the Devils will exist.
100% - i totally agree with everything said!
No dilemma for me, dual member .. will be even better when they play each other .. will always be a winner ! Twice as much footy to enjoy
Nice problem to have.....Tassie and Victoria is a bit like NZ and Australia....Tasmanians are honorary Victorians eps. if successful ;-p
👍🤎💛
Hi Nat, your best article yet (but I may be slightly biased as a proud Taswegian !!)
I can honestly say that when it was first talked about the possibility of Tasmania wanting to have a team join the AFL, my view was exactly the same as yours (and still is) that there was no way I would ever stop barracking for the mighty hawks but that I would take an interest in the Tasmanian team in every other game with the exception of when they played Hawthorn. I too, am a passionate follower of the Hurricanes and Jack Jumpers and any other person and/or team that hails from the Apple Isle will always have my full support. I only hope, as a 29 year HFC member, that Hawthorn will continue to play some games at UTAS Stadium as a lot of members/supporters have also travelled up from the West and North West Coast (like both the "North" and "South") to support the Club over many years.
Looking forward to both reading and hearing more of your opinions in 2025 Nat ... GO HAWKS !!
Fascinating
Is it still true that the northern part of the state sees itself as quite distinct to the south?
I think with the advent of the Devils...the Hawks should keep playing in Launceston
My guess is there is still a market there. Especially if the Devils are not good.
I live in Tennessee and we have the Titans as the local NFL team. They started in 1998 - they used to be the Houston Oilers. They played in the SuperBowl over 20 years ago but have not been good since.
In my experience - even here in the U.S. - where teams move around and change a lot - people stick with the teams they grew up with - so there are plenty of non Titans fans here and in fact it is likely there are as many non Titans fans as Titans fans here.
For the record I am also a GWS member. I just like them and I also hate the Swans. 😁
Look there will always be a north south divide to a degree - but i think the success of the JackJumpers & Hurricanes shows how minimal an issue it is. The JJs pack out the Silverdome every time they play in Launceston, the Hurricanes games at UTAS (despite being called hobart) have been extremely well supported over the years.
It is definitely an angle to try and explore for the Hawks though to see if they can tap into the North over the South, i just dunno how successful it will be.
However as you say - early success for the Devils will be extremely important
I always have, and still do believe that the AFL have expanded too far already.
I firmly believe that the Sunshine and Giants were NOT in the best interests of the game.
I understand the Eagles, Crows, Power & Freo, but even though I am Victorian living in Perth, there are too many teams in Melbourne.
14 teams, total; are the maximum number of licenses that should be available. Each club plays each other twice and all clubs have a fair shot at Good Friday and other big games. A televised, transparent draw to set up the season.
I do not subscribe to the AFL's manufactured 'blockbuster' style fixture.
The whole purpose of fixturing should be (as far as possible) to ensure that all club's have a fair and equitable season. I know that's impossible on a continent as large as ours, but the AFL should not be aggravating the situation in a bid to sell their TV rights.
14 clubs would keep it at the elite level. A strong national tier 2 competition would provide a strong valid pathway for those who are not at that elite level