Tasmanian and St Kilda legend Nick Riewoldt has hit back at critics over the traditional 'Devils' guernsey.
The AFL's newest and 19th team was announced on Monday, with the league and Tasmania revealing the logo, name and guernsey at the official launch.
Speaking on LiSTNR's Footy Talk with former teammate Leigh Montagna, Riewoldt wasn't impressed with the response regarding his home state's guernsey design.
“I was an onlooker, like everyone, yesterday – without any insights into what the jumper was going to look like, or the logo, emblem was going to look like," Riewoldt said.
“I thought it hit the mark absolutely perfectly. The logo, the devil, is awesome. I think it will resonate with young fans of the game. It looks fierce. It's obviously an iconic Tasmanian animal. I think it will all play really well.
“I've heard a little bit of criticism about the jumper which I can't wrap my head around to be honest, because it's the traditional Tassie football jumper. I think Robbo (Mark Robinson) was one in particular that said he wanted it to be more dynamic… it's the Tassie jumper. Do we want Richmond to be more dynamic with their jumper? I mean, I think that's ridiculous.
“You can get dynamic when it comes time for retro round, or whatever, away strips, clash strips – that's the time to be dynamic. I thought the colour palette, the jumper, the logo, they were all 10/10 for me. Well done to the organising committee and everyone involved.”
Just for clarity purposes. The Jumper reveal from last night featuring the famous map of Tassie foundation jumper will be worn sparingly, perhaps once or twice a year.
The home and away Devils jumpers will be the mainstay.
They will be released later down the track in due…
— David Lithgow (@lithgowflashman) March 18, 2024
Reports have indicated that the traditional state jumper will be used "sparingly", with a home and away jersey to be revealed in time.
As a result, footy fans have offered up their adaptations of what the Tasmanian playing strip should look like.
What do you think of our @FC_Tasmania jumper concepts? #AFL pic.twitter.com/o2DbPmPzed
— Zero Hanger (@zerohanger) March 18, 2024
Massive congrats to the Tassie people on their new Devils team.
Still unsure whether the state jumper was the best choice, but it certainly represents it’s people well.
Had this design sent to me. Would’ve loved to have seen something like this.. A traditional-looking footy… pic.twitter.com/6AHtJC8Oxx
— Sam Tugwell (@samtugwell_15) March 18, 2024
Despite the uproar over how the jersey will appear come 2028, the launch of the AFL's 19th club has been a raging success.
Recording over 82,000 founding members, Richmond premiership player and fellow Tasmanian Jack Riewoldt isn't shocked by the response although there's talk of a "divide".
“Don't believe everything you're told. There's a story in Tasmania and a story the mainlanders like to run and tell… I reckon there's a fair narrative pushed,” Riewoldt said.
“If you've been on the ground you'd know this state… there certainly isn't a divide. There's one team down here and already the supporter and membership numbers show that.
“The unification of the state is alive and well.”
