Footy fans across Australia are buzzing after the unveiling of the new mascot for the Tasmania Devils, one of the Australian Football League's (AFL) newest expansion teams, set to make its debut in 2028. The character, named Rum'un, is not just a mascot; it represents a unique blend of local culture, creativity, and a touch of cheekiness associated with Tasmanian identity.
The Tasmania Devils were officially announced as the latest addition to the AFL exactly a year ago. On March 18, 2024, the league welcomed the notion of a new team dedicated to Tasmania, with a vision to bring the love of footy closer to fans in the state. The announcement also included the team’s logo and kit, which features a green jumper adorned with a golden image of Tasmania.
On March 18, 2025, the much-anticipated mascot was revealed, causing quite a stir among fans. Rum'un, a giant Tasmanian devil, is crafted from an assortment of recycled materials, emphasizing sustainability in its design. This striking 12-kilogram costume was produced in collaboration with the Terrapin Puppet Theatre in Hobart, showcasing Tasmania's artistic talents.
The craftsmanship of Rum'un is notable: the fluffy fur is made from repurposed school uniforms, the eyes are fashioned from Christmas baubles, and the teeth are created from recycled wood. Even the whiskers come from industrial brooms, making the mascot not only environmentally conscious but also a testament to community engagement and creativity.
The name Rum'un has sparked its own conversation. Grounded in Tasmanian slang, it refers to an 'odd or eccentric person,' a fitting embodiment of the quirky charm that many Tasmanians pride themselves on. The AFL reports that Rum'un will make appearances throughout the state in the coming weeks, connecting with communities and fostering excitement for the upcoming team.
Speaking about the mascot, Tasmania Devils CEO Brendon Gale expressed the hope that Rum'un would serve as a beacon for the club across Tasmania. “Our newest recruit, Rum'un, will help us on our journey and be a great beacon of our club across the state,” he stated. Gale emphasized the mascot's connection to the Tasmanian spirit, noting, “The creation of Rum'un reflects our club – uniquely Tasmanian, handcrafted and created with grit and determination representing our whole island.”
Several design features of Rum'un have deep local significance. The mascot's bloody knees symbolize the tough players from Queenstown who play rugby on their iconic gravel oval. chief designer Bryony Anderson shared insights regarding the collaborative creative process behind the mascot's conception. “They said it had to be kick-a**e, have bloody knees to represent the players from Queenstown on the gravel, it had to have tatts. Some wanted full-arm tatts but some of the girls at Clarence modified that to the Tassie tatt, and not be too scary because some of the Auskick kids might get frightened, so make it cheeky instead,” she commented.
However, the unveiling of Rum'un did not come without its share of reactions. While many fans appreciate the mascot's uniqueness, others took to social media expressing their strong views. Some fans criticized the design as ‘hideous’ and declared that children would be left with nightmares after seeing Rum'un. “Kids having nightmares tonight,” one comment read, while another chimed in with, “This can't be real. It’s hideous. Well done Tasmania Footy Club,” reflecting a mix of humor and disbelief.
Conversely, there were supporters who praised the daring design choice, calling it a mascot with character. One enthusiastic fan tweeted, “Finally the scared weird little guy we deserve,” demonstrating that opinions were divided among supporters. Cricket journalist Bharat Sundaresan aptly summed up the optimism surrounding Rum'un, stating, “Wow. How could you not get behind Tasmania FC after you've seen Rum'un. Winner mascot.”
This disparity in responses shows how divisive mascot portrayals can be, often reflecting broader cultural sentiments. Rum'un is the embodiment of the Tasmania Football Club’s mission: to resonate with local identity, provide entertainment, and galvanize engagement among community members.
Aside from the mascot, the Tasmania Devils have already enjoyed impressive traction since their establishment. The club has garnered 207,000 founding members since its launch last year, illustrating significant community support and anticipation for their AFL journey.
Overall, Rum'un serves as a fascinating starting point for the Tasmania Devils—a beacon of creativity, sustainability, and local pride. As the team prepares to join the AFL in 2028, Rum'un is set to play a vital role in rallying support and fostering connections with football fans across Tasmania.
