A New Era for the Devils
The Tasmania Devils are officially shaking up the footy world. In a massive W for inclusivity, the club is aiming to be the first in AFL history to feature both male and female voices on their official team song. Real talk: it’s giving main character energy.
The Vision
An eight-person selection panel, including Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra chief executive Caroline Sharpen, musical theatre performer John X, and former Richmond player Matthew Richardson, is currently building the criteria for what the anthem should sound like. The goal? A song that resonates for everyone—from AFL and AFLW players to every single fan in the stands.
"The female vocal is going to be very much a part and a reflection of who the club actually is," Sharpen noted.
Why It’s a Vibe
Historically, team songs have been heavily centered on the male experience. VFLW captain Meghan Gaffney, who is helping guide the project, shared how it often feels to run out to songs that don't reflect the female experience. She emphasized that the new track needs to be "singable" by everyone, even the non-musically inclined players, and hold up in massive, acoustically-challenged stadiums.
The hype is already real. The club has received over 200 unsolicited submissions, with legends like "Up there Cazaly" singer Mike Brady and punk band Luca Brasi showing interest in writing the track.
Why it matters
This isn't just a song—it’s a move to ensure the club’s identity is truly equal. By prioritizing female representation from the jump, the Devils are setting a new standard for what it means to be a modern, inclusive sports organization. The panel expects to drop the final criteria next month and pick the winner by the end of the year.
