Tassie fans rally behind “fantastic” Devils in first home finals clash

Rain did little to dampen the enthusiasm around North Hobart as Tasmania's Devils played their first VFL finals match at home. Fans in green arrived in raincoats and hurried for covered seats before the semi-final against Essendon.

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I don't care, rain, hail or shine, let's go.

The Devils needed a win to secure a place in the preliminary final, but faced an Essendon side on a seven-game winning streak. At halftime, Essendon led 57-49.

Lucy Edwards said she was ready to support Tasmania in any weather. “I don't care, rain, hail or shine, let's go,” she said, recalling an earlier win in heavy rain at York Park. Lee Edwards said the club's run was already a major achievement in its first season: “For a new team, this is fantastic. Tassie go on, come on!”

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We played really well earlier in the year in York Park when it rained cats and dogs, and we got over the line there. So I'm down, let's rain again and we'll win again with any luck.

Supporter Ann Sigley brought a hand-knitted bear named “mini Rum'un,” which she made in four days as part of her AFL collection. She said the mascot “shouts loud” and would travel to Melbourne if the Devils reached the finals.

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For a new team, this is fantastic. Tassie go on, come on!

Essendon supporter Manassa Walker remained confident, pointing to a side containing 18 AFL-listed players, including former Devil Jackson Artemis. James Rogerson, wearing a Devils jumper and Bombers scarf, said he would accept either result: “I think football wins for the day.” He described the Devils' home semi-final appearance as above expectations.

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I think football wins for the day.