The Tasmania Devils football club is aiming to make history by featuring both female and male voices on the official recording of their team song, potentially marking a first in the Australian Football League (AFL). The club hopes to select the new song by the end of the year, with the project intended to reflect the inclusivity of all Tasmanians and accommodate players and supporters across both the AFL and AFL Women's (AFLW) teams.
An eight-person panel has been established to oversee the song selection process, which has already met three times and plans to release formal criteria next month. Caroline Sharpen, chief executive of the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra and a member of the panel, emphasized the importance of incorporating a female vocal element. She said the inclusion of female voices is essential to represent the dual-gender nature of the Tasmania Devils club, which fields both men's and women's teams.
The movement to integrate women's perspectives into football culture has gained momentum since the introduction of the AFLW a decade ago. Several clubs have adapted their traditional team songs to be more inclusive, such as the Western Bulldogs changing “Sons of the West” to “Daughters of the West” and Essendon recording versions with female vocals and adjusted lyrics. However, the Devils intend to design a team song from the ground up that foregrounds the experiences of women as well as men.
Meghan Gaffney, captain of the Devils’ VFLW team and an accomplished singer, has advocated for a song that resonates equally for both genders. Gaffney, who played for Greater Western Sydney in the AFLW for four years, noted that while she appreciated the Giants’ anthem, it predominantly reflects male voices and experiences. She highlighted the significance of having a female vocal presence to better symbolize football’s inclusivity.
The song will also face practical requirements, as it must be singable by players and fans alike in a variety of acoustic environments, including stadiums with challenging sound dynamics. Gaffney stressed the need for simplicity in melody and vocal range to accommodate those without formal musical training, ensuring the song can be confidently performed by all.
The panel, which also includes musical theatre artist John X and former Richmond player Matthew Richardson, values Gaffney’s insights into balancing musical and sporting considerations. Sharpen said the group is focused on creating a song that authentically reflects Tasmania’s diverse football community.
Interest in composing the song has already been strong, with over 200 unsolicited submissions received. Notable figures such as Mike Brady, known for “UP there Cazaly,” and Tasmanian punk band Luca Brasi have expressed interest in contributing.
The panel aims to finalize selection criteria next month, officially call for submissions, and choose the club’s new anthem before the end of 2026. The initiative seeks to set a new standard for inclusivity in AFL club songs, reflecting the evolving culture of Australian football.