- The new team revealed its name and colors on Monday
- Guernsey revealed the foundation that divided fans
- Tasmanian Devils to make AFL debut in 2028
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
There’s some good news for Tasmanian Devil fans who were critical of the new AFL club’s Guernsey foundation: the team is unlikely to wear it very often.
The club, which was granted a license in May to compete in the national competition in 2028, unveiled its colors, mascot and first jumper at venues across the state on Monday evening.
The Guernsey Foundation is myrtle green adorned with a yellow map of the island state with primrose yellow and rose red trim to recognize the state’s rich football history.
Although it was a watershed day for football fans on the Apple Isle, not everyone was impressed with the strip design, with Tassie’s card in particular attracting criticism.
The Tasmania Devils jersey was revealed at Monday night’s launch
The use of the Tasmanian map with a large ‘T’ on the front of the strip was not well received by many footy fans.
While the devil logo on the New Guernsey has been widely praised, many have questioned the use of a state yellow card in the design.
“I love the devil logo, I hate Guernsey,” fumed one fan.
“The colors are good. It’s just that I’m not really a fan of the map on the jersey with a big T on it…it’s more suited to something like state of origin or state league,” wrote another.
“The Devil is a great logo. Remove the island,” another fan agreed.
AFL 360 host Mark Robinson joined the chorus of criticism.
“I thought it could have been a bit more dynamic, that’s all,” he said on Fox Footy.
“I like the traditional parts of our game but I thought it could have been a little more dynamic.”
The original GWS Giants design included completely different colors and a different logo than the final version.
Orange has been a prominent feature of the Strip since GWS made its AFL debut in 2012.
Other fans called for calm, saying it was unlikely the jersey unveiled Monday would be the final version players will wear in 2028.
They pointed out fellow expansion teams Gold Coast Suns and GWS Giants, who wore completely different strips in their debut compared to variations released in previous years.
“This sweater will disappear faster than the Tassie Tiger,” one follower posted.
“It’s definitely a work in progress so relax,” another Tassie fan reassured.
Tasmanian broadcaster David Lithgow confirmed the jersey unveiled on Monday would likely be replaced.
“Devils Riders home and away will be the mainstay,” he posted on social media platform X.
“They will be released later, in due time.”
The Gold Coast Suns competed in the VFL before the AFL and wore a very different jersey to the one they would wear in the top-level competition.
When the Suns played their first game against Carlton in 2011, their guernsey was much yellower with a bolder team logo and a list of names from the inaugural team.
This is a surprising revelation considering it wasn’t made clear to fans at launch on Monday.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Devils for comment.
“Oh, that’s interesting to know!” I didn’t hear the whole presentation but it makes sense,” one Tassie fan replied.
“Clarity would have been nice that night because without it, in all honesty, it feels like a reaction against a reaction,” added another.
‘That makes sense. I’m sure many people will still buy the Foundation Jumper, including myself,” wrote another.